What to charge?
Have you wondered what a fair price is? Are you scared that you might charge too much? Here are some suggestions for finding the perfect rate. Most girls charge $5 to $15 an hour, depending on the number and age of the children they will be sitting. The more experience and training you have the better paid you will be. The best way to find your rate is to ask around your neigborhood. Ask your friends how much they charge or even ask your parents how much they would charge. Some babysitters take whatever a parent offers but its better if you have a rate already set.
Resume and References
For those of you with previous babysitting experience, the next step is to prepare a simple resume and references. Here is an example. This is a great way to show your future employers what your capabilities are, and that you are "professional" and organized.
Here are links to start you out with your resume:
Sample Babysitting Resume
Babysitter Resume Generator
Getting Training
We suggest that you take a babysitting course if you haven't already. You can find these programs in your local Y, Parks and recreation department and even some colleges or universities may offer the same or similar courses.
Setting Limits
It's a smart idea for you to set limits for yourself. You (with the help of your parents) will need to think about what you will and won't be able to handle. This means knowing which hours you can work, and what days you are available. For example, deciding that you will only take care of one child at a time, or only children ages 3 and up.
By setting limits', you can feel confident that you will provide excellent childcare services.
Getting Started
When you babysit, parents are entrusting you with thier children's lives. Your most important responsibility is to care of the children's needs and keep them safe. This means that parents look for certain things in a babysitter:
Maturity
Trustworthy
Patience
Attentiveness
Safety-conciousness
Ability to keep rules for kids.
Fun
Great preperation
Being on time(early is even better)
If you feel you have many of these qualities and have permission from your parents, you are ready to move forward into the world of babysitting!
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