8 Babysitting Tips
Earn Money and Have Fun at the Same Time

The goal: You need money to go out with friends AND money to save for the future (like college or a car, for instance).

A happy coincidence: Parents of young children like to go out, too, and may be willing to pay you to babysit.

The challenge: Make babysitting as rewarding as possible.

You Can Do It!
The following tips can help you meet the challenge and reach your goal.

1. Stay safe. Be sure your parents or a responsible adult know where you’ll be, when you’ll be back, and how to reach you.
   
   
2. Learn about the family. What is allowed and what isn’t? What do the children like to do and eat? What rules apply to playtime, bedtime, and discipline problems?
   
   
3. Be the leader. Taking charge of the kids’ activities allows you to steer them in a fun and safe direction. Learning about child development can help you plan fun for different ages.
   
   
4. Keep the kids safe. Know where first aid supplies are and how to use them. Post important phone numbers – the kids’ parents, your parents, poison control center,
   a trusted neighbor – next to the phone.
   
   
5. Be professional. Be on time, don’t cancel on short notice, don’t raid the fridge without permission, and give the kids your full attention while they’re awake. Ask what’s acceptable after they go to bed.
   
   
6. Price your services fairly. Ask your friends about the going rate for babysitting. Factor in the number of children, their ages, the amount of time you’ll be there, and any special chores you’ll do.
   
   
7. Have fun! Enthusiasm helps kids feel secure and makes your time together a joy.
   
   
8. Make a deposit. Be sure to save some of your earnings in your DCU Savings Account so you have money for fun AND for the future.

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