One Hundred Dollars a Month

When the kids were little, it seemed like just finding a teenager to babysit the kids for a couple of hours was a triumph.  First, you had to know their parents…and then feel comfortable about the kind of house they were coming from.  You also had to get a teenager who was actually available to watch the little critters on the weekends–because it seemed like they all had an endless list of obligations that made playing Monopoly with my kids on a Saturday night seem like an scheduling nightmare.  Once, I did score a sitter both the kids and I like, though, I tried reaaaaaallly hard to make sure they wanted to babysit for us.   I stocked the fridge, I had kids bathed and in jammies…and I paid well.

Flashfoward 10 years, and The Girl started babysitting.  I never really thought about the whole babysitting gig from the teenagers perspective until The Girl took her first job.  They are kind of walking into the unknown–other people’s houses, with their rules, their kids, their everything.  Over the years, she became one of those babysitters that the kids loved and the parents adored.  She was responsible and  reliable.  What more could you ask for?  {I might be biased :)}  I think that had a lot to do with her learning what to ask and what to expect.  So, if you have a teenager about to start babysitting, here are a couple of tips for them:

1. Make sure to ask about food.  Not just for you own munching pleasure, but for the kids.  Are they allowed to have a snack?  Have they had dinner?  If not, what would they like you to cook?
2. Even after the kids go to bed, it doesn’t mean it’s time to pop in a horror movie.  Air on the side of caution, out of the respect for the unknown expectation of the family you are sitting for, and keep all television watching light and airy.
3. Get a very clear understanding of the kids’ routines.  What time should the kids go to bed?  What is the bedtime routine–do they get a story, snack, etc?
4. It’s absolutely okay to ask what time you can expect Mom and Dad home.  In addition, once you know, let your own parents know what time they can expect you home.
5. It’s best to talk money BEFORE you babysit.  It’s awkward and hard at first, but if you say it right away, it usually goes better.  Have a number in mind.  For example, when Mrs. Smith calls to ask if you would be interested in babysitting this Friday, you can say, “Yes.  I charge $5/hour per child.  Does that work for you?”  Believe me, most adults are not put-off by a kid who seems to have their ducks in a row.
6. As a general rule of thumb, just don’t answer the door or phone while babysitting.  {I am assuming you will have a cell phone, otherwise, you may have to answer the phone.}  It’s airing on the side of caution, and a black and white rule just makes life easier.
7. Bring a pen and paper.  Write down the address and cell phone numbers of the parents.  Ask the parents if their is a neighbor they trust home–in case you need help.  It’s just best to have all of the information written down because in the event of an emergency, it will be hard to remember.
8. Bring activities with you.  It’s what sets the really great babysitters apart.  It can be a craft, a board game, etc.  Make it age appropriate for the kids you are watching.  Trust me, it will make the time go by much faster too.
9. Let the parent know if they are having you do something you aren’t comfortable with…like administering medication, or adding additional children than you originally thought {i.e. little Tommy invited a friend to spend the night…surprise!}
10. Stay with the kids at all times.  Put away your phone, and give the kids your full and undivided attention until after they are asleep.  Afterall, that’s what you are getting paid for.

The Girl got busy her last years of high school and didn’t babysit much, so I must confess, I am not sure what the going rate is for a good sitter right now…maybe some of you can chime in and let any potential new sitters know what a fair rate might be?

~Mavis