Baby Sitter Jobs

Business Idea for Kids & Teens

Babysitting – The perfect teen job

Babysitting is, obviously one of the easiest and most natural ways for a young teen to get into business for themselves.  There’s an abundant target market usually within walking distance of most teen homes so this is the perfect business for a teen who isn’t driving yet too. There’s a reason this is such a common job. Parents are desperate for good babysitters. If you are a good sitter, your name will spread like wildfire and you won’t be able to keep up with the demand.

Training

Most local park districts or YMCA/YWCA organizations now offer babysitter training as well as CPR courses specifically for babysitters.  Although not required to be an excellent babysitter, completing these courses will definitely help when your son or daughter is approaching potential new clients as your business grows.  Some type of certification helps to establish credibility as well as shows the parents that your child is taking the babysitting job seriously rather than just wanting some easy money.

Starting up a babysitting business is not difficult.  Here are some simple steps your teen should do to get started:

Research some of the certifications mentioned above. Contact your Park District, YMCA or YWCA or check your city website to see if they offer the classes for certification.  Join a class if there is one available.

Safety is an issue so start your business with friends and family and/or church members.  Enlist the help of your parents to get the word out to those people you know best who have children.

Marketing your Babysitting Business.


The best way for your business to grow is word of mouth. So, do a great job for every client and word will spread.

Offer to be a “mommy’s helper” during the day at the home of a mom who is considering you as a babysitter.  A mommy’s helper usually plays with and cares for the kids during certain hours of the day so that the mom can get work done around the house or perhaps care for a new baby, etc.  You can offer to do this for free a few times to help them feel comfortable with your skills and then transition into more of a babysitter role when they’re comfortable.

Make up flyers with your rates and services.  Determine your rates based on what you’ll be willing to do during the hours that you are responsible in the home.  Will you be doing more than just watching the children – for instance cleaning, laundry or any other jobs?  Consider charging more for multiple children, etc.

Ask for references. As you work as a mommy’s helper or babysitter, ask your clients to write up brief letters of reference for you to keep in a file.  When you start to branch out to friends of friends, etc., these will be a nice addition to your portfolio of information to show them.

Keep your certifications and reference letters in a file folder or 3 ring binder so it’s easy to show your prospective clients.
Consider group babysitting as an option for larger families – pal up with another friend who babysits and work together so it’s not so overwhelming.

Simple safety rules.

1. Feel comfortable with the family before you accept any job. If you get an uneasy feeling during an interview, then tell them that you’re not interested.

2. Make sure you’ve taken the Red Cross Courses to be certified in all First Aid and CPR training. Odds are that you’ll never need to use them, but, in the odd chance that you ever do, you’ll be in a better position to help the child and yourself.

3. Have the cell phone number of an adult that you can reach or get contact information for neighbors.

4. Of course, never ride home with an adult who has been drinking.

As far as going rates, ask around. Different areas of the country charge between $4 and $10 an hour for babysitting.

Activities for Kids.

You’ll have happier kids if you play with them. Leave them unattended or, heaven forbid, bored and they’ll get into trouble.

  • Board Games
  • Card Games
  • Coloring
  • Reading books
  • Watching movies
  • Going outside into the backyard

Have a pre teen who might be interested in a babysitting business?  Starting out with a small mommy’s helper business is a great way to explore the idea and get some experience too.  Start asking around your neighborhood and church to see if anyone might be interested and move on from there.  Once your pre-teen or teen has started working – word of mouth will spread and her business will increase!

Now go get some business!

This site is intended only for adults only. This website is for adults to help their children start a business.

Of course, we can't guaranteee that you'll make money. We strongly recommend you contact your local SBA chapter, get Legal advice, and talk to an Accountant before starting a business.

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