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just starting...
I'm thinking about doing babysitting and I want to do it cheap because some of the parents that want to hire me told me that they would need a new babysitter 'cause it costs so much to find quality daycare... and I don't think I am quality if I'm just starting out... so should I like ask the lady for lessons or sumthin' or what tips do u have? I also need some advice on how much to charge. Thanks bunches.
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Babysitting?
I charge 3$ an hour and add 1$ per extra kid (for example: if i was babysitting 2 kids it would be 4$ a hour, or if i was babysitting 3 kids, it would be 5$ an hour.) When I first started out I took the Red Cross Babysitting course (it costs your parents around 50$-60$) which you learn CPR and first aid, etc. in. More parents are likely to hire you if you are certified and would know what to do in an emergengy =)
Hope I could help.
♥ Rachel
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When I started babysitting I charged $3, then when I got more experienced my mom told my clients that they could pay me higher if they wanted... now I'm up to $5 because I have had many years of experience.
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well on the charging thing... i just usually let them pay me w/e they want, but if they ask you what you want or need you on a regular basis... then i'd give them a minimum of w/e and if they feel you earned more thatn that... they'll give you more. like i always pick up the whole house, like if there's a mess on the counter... clean it up and especially don't leave YOUR messes for them to pick up.
and on the lessons... just be smart, don't leave the kids unattended. no sharp objects, no loads of sugar/caffine, keep all chemicals outta reach... you know. and most of the time the parents will tell you, "ok they'll prolly get hungry around this time" or somethin. also, always tell the parent how they acted. like if they kicked you or somethin, the parents will definatly wanna know. so basically use your common sense. hope i helped and good luck.
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It depends on age and experience how much you can charge. I'd say $5 average. Maybe go lower, if you think it too much.
Get CPR certification or take a babysitting class. It helps you feel better, and it makes the parents feel more secure. Plus you can charge a bit more, lol.
Ask the parents if the kids have any special needs, likes, dislikes, etc. Also ask the rules of the house. If you keep the rules mostly the same, it is easier on the kids.
As to caring for the kids:
Bring a goody bag with toys, books, movies, etc. Put new things in it every time, but keep any favorites the kids have. It gives them something to look forward to when you come.
Be their friend and playmate! Keep them out of trouble, but do things with them!
Crafts are fun, if you supervise carefully. Kids love to have something to show Mommy and Daddy.
If you need them to settle down, have them help you pick out a movie, and watch it together. Short movies are best. Semi-interactive ones are even better. The kids I sit for like Dora the Explorer, Veggie Tales, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (they dance during the opening credits... You know, chocolate everywhere...)Engage in discussions about the movie.
Playing pretend is always fun. Little girls like dressing up, pretending to be singers, princesses, etc. Boys like to pretend to be animals. But keep all options open. Try everything!
Making up stories can be fun with slightly older kids. Take turns making up parts, or collaborate, then write it all down. They'll have their own storybook that they can keep.
Hope the tips help!
~Vix
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I usually charge $5.00s an hour. If that is 2 much you might want to charge about $4.00 and hour. Hope I helped =).
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