Babysitting for Beginners

Is your tween ready to be the one in charge?

Are they really ready to sit?

Before your tween takes that first job, outline some of the basic knowledge needed.

Does your child know how to…

• Hold a baby properly?
• Feed a baby or young child?
• Change a diaper?
• Entertain children with simple games?
• Have patience?
• Keep a child safe?
• Handle an emergency?

What’s in it for your tween?

Besides earning extra money, your child will learn patience, negotiating skills and could potentially make wonderful social connections for their future aspirations. Having a steady sitting job will come in handy throughout the school years.

Things to consider:

Is your child immune?

Small children are often sick. Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date and be prepared for colds and flu if the child they are caring for comes down with something. Encourage your child not to accept jobs when the children are ill.

Who is driving your child home?

Arrange to pick your tween up if possible, otherwise it’s expected that the mother of the child will drive the sitter home.

Who is available for that call for help?

Remind your child that you will be around if they need you. Some mishaps really do need to be handled by an adult.

How much to charge?

Casual polls show that depending on the age of the child being cared for, where you live and the length of time and time of day, babysitters are paid from five dollars to 12 dollars per hour. Your child should be able to negotiate for a fair wage. Some parents will pay extra for special holidays, such as New Year’s Eve.

Eating on the job

Remind your tween that if the parents have not given instructions about what snacks are available, not to dive into the fridge. It’s better to pack some snacks than eat what was planned for tomorrow’s supper.