People & Planet
This business makes a positive difference by...
- Giving parents some time to go out together, knowing their kids are well looked after.
- Being a good role model for the kids you look after.
- Making someone feel good because they know that they are helping you develop your business skills.
- Moving one step closer to being a great business person who will have the potential to help even more people in the future.
- Teaching the kids you look after about how they can help the environment with fun games, projects and activities.
- Being a good role model in the way you talk and act around the children you care for.
Before You Start
Do Some Market Research
Conduct a quick survey among your neighbours and friends asking them:
- How many children do they have? (You should know this!)
- How often do they wish they could just go out?
- Would they hire a babysitter for their children?
- This would give you a clear idea on how your business will perform.
Things You'll Need:
- Keep a Diary - write down the time and date of all your baby-sitting commitments, and the hours you work.
- Keep a record of all client phone numbers, and any special requirements the children might have.
- Keep Track on money with a Receipt / Invoice Book - Your income minus your expenses = your profit.
- Setting saving goals is a good way to avoid spending all your money with nothing to show for it.
Finding Clients
- Start with your neighbours and people you know - People usually prefer having a baby-sitter who lives close-by.
- Have an eye-catching flyer which you can hand out to neighbours and friends
- Get some Testimonials or References saying what an awesome baby-sitter you are.
- Place an ad in your school or a local school newsletter.
- Place an ad in your community newspaper
- Pin flyers on community notice boards (make sure you're allowed to do this first)
Pricing: Discuss with others who baby-sit in your community what they think is fair. You could consider charging a flat rate plus an added amount per child. For example $6 and 50c extra per child.
Think Safe!
- Bring an adult with you when you're visiting the homes of people you don’t know well for the first time.
- Tell your parents straight away if anything about the family you're baby- sitting for makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Always tell your parents where you will be, and approximately what time you will be home. Give them your contact phone number or take your mobile with you if you have one.
Get on with it
You should know your stuff.
Baby-sitting is a big responsibility - To learn how to be a good baby-sitter it is advisable that you do a Baby-sitting Course.
Doing a First Aid Course as well will make you even more in demand!
In New Zealand St John's runs good baby-sitting and first-aid courses - Call them and find out when one is run near you.
Bring a Job Sheet with You
- Include a place for contact phone numbers, what time they'll be home, and any details such as bedtimes, and dinner-time. For an example of a job sheet click here
Be a Good Role Model
- Remember when you were young and teenagers seemed really cool and you thought they probably knew just about everything? Be socially responsible and aware that everything you say and do will make an impression on the kids.
Understand Different Kids and Different Cultures
- Not every family is The Brady Bunch. You are going to have to be able to deal with all types of kids.
- Different kids are also allowed to do different things - Talk to the parents to get a feeling for what is and isn't allowed.
Kids are quick to exploit a weak baby-sitter so be nice, but be firm!
Bring Exciting Things!
- Consider bringing your own toys, games or books with you - Your toys and books will always seem heaps more exciting to a child than their own things!
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