Q&A for How to Start Your Own Babysitting Business

Show that you're responsible by investing in your baby knowledge and creating a safe environment for kids at all times. Complete a babysitting class, enroll CPR training, and get certified in first aid, too.

Being an outgoing babysitter is about being playful, positive, and confident. You can show that you're outgoing by being cheerful, engaging, and using your imagination to make up games and activities.

Try thinking ahead to identify solutions and prevent potential problems. While babysitting, show you're proactive by taking care of chores around the home without being asked, like unloading the dishwasher or restocking the diapers in the changing table.

It depends on what you're comfortable but I would advise you start with ages 2-5 because they're not as fragile as infants and not as hard to manage as older kids. There are good and bad things about every age, you'll figure out what is best for you with experience.

It depends on how mature you are, how much experience you have (like if you have younger siblings that you've watched, if you have babysat before, or if you've taken a babysitting course), and what your parents and future employer think. But the average age to start babysitting is 11-14. However, some places regulate this by law, so be sure to check that too.

Ask the child what they want to do or bring a bag of crafts and games. If needed, ask the parents ahead of time what their child would like to do while you are babysitting. Then just keep the child occupied, fed, happy, and out of trouble.

Talk to people you know, anytime you see someone you know who has kids, tell them you can babysit. Also, you can take a babysitting course from Red Cross, which will make people more likely to hire you, and you'll be more experienced. You get a certificate and everything. Charge around $8.00 an hour to be competitive but not too cheap.

Ask the parent what they would prefer, though babysitting is generally done in the child's home. Saying that you only babysit at your house to new clients that do not know you personally may make them feel uncomfortable.

Talk to the people you plan to babysit for and see when they would need your services. Or just make those times reasonable to your liking and your schedule.

Make what you can out of what you have. For example, if you only have apples, cinnamon, etc., search up online what you can make out of it.

Sure, 12 is a common age to start babysitting, and it sounds like you're well-prepared.

People will generally choose someone older and more experienced when they can. You can let them know that you are also available for babysitting, especially if your sister isn't available. You can also advertise your service to people who don't know your sister.

No, 14 is the perfect age to start because you're old enough for the parents to take you seriously. Just be professional, get yourself out there, and you should do well. It's also very good that you're CPR certified.

Cash is customary payment for babysitting jobs.

Act responsibly and professionally, go through a babysitter course, and have someone help you write a resume.

Try babysitting on the weekends or after school. Bring your homework to do when the baby/child is down for a nap. Good time management is key.

Advertise in the nearest town that has children. Make business cards and pass them out on Halloween by offering cards to adults with children.

Definitely take your phone if you have one, and any books, magazines or homework you would like to read while you are there.

Check with your connections. People at school, co-workers, bosses, friends, and relatives are all great people to ask if the know anybody that you can babysit for; just let them all know that you're available and your rates.

You may have to work a little harder to prove that you're trustworthy. See if the parents' would agree to letting you babysit if you brought along an older sister or an adult for the first couple of times, and work up to leaving you alone with the kids. If they don't agree to it, just respectfully say you understand and move on. There will be other jobs.

It's great that you're trying to get yourself out there just follow the steps above and try online babysitting sites to get gigs (just be safe). For example a site called care.com can be a helpful place to get started.

You should first take into account if your friend won't distract you, is responsible, and won't use this time just to hang out with you. You should also be up front with parents as well as some may not like this idea. Have a resume and references ahead of time.

Yes, as long as you get the job done with a good record.

No, but if you don't have experience with little kids, it's a good idea.

Gain experience by helping parents with their children while they are home, then ask if you can care for the kids alone for a short period of time, like one hour at first.

Babysit for your aunt, and ask her to recommend you to other people.

If it's okay with your parents and their parents and you are comfortable with it, then it's totally fine.

It honestly depends on how mature you are. If you've had prior experience, like watching younger siblings, make sure to let people know that. It might be a good idea to sign up for a course if there is one available in your area. The Red Cross usually offers them.

You watch over the baby/child(ren). You make sure they're okay and have what they need. Make sure they have been fed and cleaned if the parent asked for you to bathe them. Play games with them and generally keep them entertained. Make sure they go to bed on time. Remember that the parents are trusting you with their precious child, so give your all to the job and follow their rules. Don't eat anything out of their fridge unless they have allowed it, and don't watch TV without permission.

Yes, unless you have a landline at your house (or wherever you will be babysitting). If there was an emergency, you would need a phone to dial 911.