The Babysits Survival Guide

Babysitter jobs are one of the best part-time jobs, because you are in charge of when and how much you work. You also decided where, and who you work for. What job sounds better than that?

First of all, babysitting jobs are a great source of income as a part-time job, because you are able to decide your babysitting rate according to your experience level and certifications.

Secondly, babysitting allows you to gain valuable skills that you can use for the rest of your life, and they also look great on your resume!

Third, babysitting is a great part-time job because it is flexible! You get to decide when you work, so it’s the perfect side-job while in school or doing an internship.

Lastly, babysitting gives you the opportunity to let out your inner child and relive the best parts about childhood, like playing and learning. Most importantly, babysitting allows you to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. All of these reasons are why babysitting is one of the best and most rewarding part-time jobs!

1. The on-call babysitter

This option is great if you are flexible, and want to get as many opportunities as possible.

2. The permanent babysitter

The option of permanent sitting is great especially if you want to work only with one family, or wish to work as a live-in or live-out nanny.

3. The evening sitter

Babysitting in the evening is a great option if you work or study during the day.

4. The after school sitter

If you are available starting in the afternoons, then being an after school sitter is the perfect option for you.

5. The night sitter

The night sitter is for those who have a busy schedule during the day, those who work as nannies, or those who prefer to take care of children over-night.

6. The weekday sitter

Being a weekday sitter is great for those looking to work during the week and have the weekends off!

7. The wedding sitter

The wedding sitter is for those situations when somebody needs an extra helping hand during their big day.

8. The party sitter

Same goes for the party sitter, who is there to make sure parents have enough help while their child has a party, or if the parents are throwing a party!

9. The summer sitter

This option is great for those who have their summer’s off from school and are looking for the perfect summer job.

10. The remote sitter

Last but not least, there is the remote sitter. This is great for those who want to work from home. You can choose to do online tutoring or virtual babysitting.

1. The photo

Include a nice photo of yourself.

2. Motivation

Explain why you enjoy working with children.

3. Experience

List past experiences are references.

4. Education

Show your educational history and any certifications.

5. Specialties

Include any languages, talents or hobbies

6. Hourly rate

Specify your asking rate or average rate

7. Availability

Show when you are available, be it weekends, weekdays, days or nights.

What is first aid for children?

First aid for children and babies is about knowing how to respond when a child may be physically injured.

Why is it important to know first aid for children?

In some cases, you need to respond differently when a baby or child is in hurt than you would with an adult.

As a babysitter, it's highly recommended to take a child and baby first aid course so the children are always safe.

1. Art supplies

Bringing arts and crafts supplies is a great way to keep the kids entertains and spark their creativity.

2. Games

Games are also a great way to keep kids entertained and are great when babysitting multiple children.

3. First aid kit

Bringing a first aid kit or making sure the parents provide you with a first aid kit is very important when taking care of children of all ages.

4. Phone

Like the first aid kit, bringing your own phone or having access to the family's phone is very important in case of emergencies.

5. Ingredients

Ingredients for baking or cooking are a great way to not only get the kids involved in the process, but also allows you to cook or bake things that are familiar to you.

It’s very important that you get to know the children before babysitting. Here are some questions to ask the parents about the children:

• Personality, likes and dislikes?
• Favourite toys, activities, games?
• Nicknames?
• Daily routine?

It’s equally important to know everything about your job and responsibilities. Try asking questions about these topics to parents:

• Contact and emergency info?
• Daily, weekly or monthly schedule?
• Responsibilities?
• House rules?

1. Being late

We all know why being late is a mistake to avoid, just don’t do it! Be on time to show that you are reliable.

2. Taking photos

Do not take any photos of the children or the house without the parents permission.

3. Using bad language

Never use bad language in front of children.

4. Overusing your phone

Only use your phone when necessary, such as in emergencies, or looking up recipes or DIYS.

5. Working while sick

When you’re sick, stay home to avoid getting the children or parents sick.

6. Breaking house rules

Breaking house rules is never a good idea. This only confuses the children, discredits the parents and is not overall not respectful.

7. Smoking cigarettes

Never smoke cigarettes in front of children, as it is bad for their health and also a bad influence on their habits as they grow older.

8. Drinking alcohol

The same goes for alcohol. It can also impair your judgement and puts you and the children at risk.

What is remote babysitting?

Remote babysitting is helping to entertain or look after a child using a video calling app.

How does it work?

Parents are still home in case there is an emergency or other situation that cannot be handled virtually.

Here are some activities you can do while babysitting remotely:

• Help children learn by reading with them
• Help children with homework or create your own lessons
• Set up DIYs to do together via video call
• Try games like Simon Says or activities like singing and dancing

1. Legal considerations:

You must be legally old enough to stay home alone.

2. Parental Approval:

If you are not yet legally an adult, you will need to get your parents’ permission.

3. Building experience:

There are plenty of ways to boost your resume, such as cooking or homework help.

4. Emergency preparedness:

Always ask for important info like allergies and medication, and emergency contacts and have a first aid kit on hand.