Babysitting

[simsfreq]

Hello, I wonder if you could help me.

I'm 18 and looking for some extra income. I was thinking about advertising myself as a babysitter in the local area as I'm quite good with children and I'm told I'm very mature for my age. I've babysat before but only a couple of times for friends' younger siblings.

I was wondering really how to advertise. Would I be better off putting an advert in the local paper, a supermarket or flyers through people's doors? And how much should I charge people? My mum said it's so long since she's used a babysitter she can't remember how much she used to pay!

Any help much appreciated
~Simsfreq x

[sharpy36]

Dont really know the answer,but DONT go advertising yourself in local papers.Try a local agency or your local council,who will vet you.As a parent thats who i would look to,if friends and family were not available.

[curiosity]

Are there any families in your local area who you and your parents see regularly leading a normal life? post some adverts through their doors, but no-one elses, also ask your parents to mention to friends, colleagues etc. Do you know anyone at your old school or college who know you are reliable, and will know someone. I wouldn't personally look for a baby sitter through an agency, dodgy I think I go with word of mouth and familiarity.

[sharpy36]

Thats me point curiosity,DONT post through peoples doors as this leaves you open.If you go through an agency or the council you will be vetted.It gives you a little piece of mind(am talking as a parent),what a crap world we live in.

[simsfreq]

Sounds fair enough. I assumed I was too young to be taken on by an agency but will do some research. I don't mind being vetted anyway since according to a website I found it will make me more employablel! Joy!

[sharpy36]

Like i said "what a crap world we live in",people are suspicous nowadays.Good luck anyway.

[lady_p_gold]

I think you could also do some telephone sales, they have evening shifts and the money is quite good, and its not as bad as you might expect as some people are nice to you and you make money on commission. I know its a silly world but I don't think I would want to do babysitting in this day and age, but of course that is up to you, but have you thought through if there was an emergency medical situation - would you feel you knew what to do ? Mind you I am probably being over cautious.

[lyndsayp]

i have been babysitting since i was 14 (i'm now 23). i would say put a personal note through the doors of some neighbours you know with children, and once you've babysat for them, ask them to recommend you to thier friends. it worked for me. hope this helps