Babysitting tips? just getting started?

Babysitting binder? Tips on getting started?

• So, me and my friend are starting a small little babysitting business. And we're gonna start small like with my mom's friend's kids and etc. and use the money we get to get us some Certified Certificates for CPR and First Aid. And I got a binder, I was wondering what should the tabs say? Or what should the folder contain? And, I was asking some tips for making it more interesting? Babysitting fun bags? Ideas in general. Thanks for feedback, +10pt for great answer!

• Answer:

  Muchik, Excellent question. There are two angles to consider: 1) Getting Hired 2) Retaining Clients The secret to getting hired (I learned from my 17 year old daughter) is making sure the parents like you and know that you care. She has forms that she made on the computer that she has the parents fill out. It has the parents list things like food allergies, rooms the kids are not allowed to go in, how much TV they're allowed to watch, which friends (if any) can come over, how long they're allowed to stay outside and several other things. For babies, she gets a feeding time schedule and food restrictions . . . she's very thorough. All of these things show the parents that she cares. Also, she makes it clear that she will not text, use the phone or watch T.V. (unless they're all watching a movie together). She has one binder that has each family's sheet in it as well as a stack of blank ones for first time families. The second key is the retention. That's all about getting the kids to like you. She's very active with the kids. She rewards them with treats (with parental permission) for good behavior. She brings a bag of games and activities and spends time with the kids. It's to the point now that when she's outside in our neighborhood, the kids run up to her and give her a hug and tell her that they can't wait until she baby sits them again. So . . . if you get the parents to like you, you'll get the job. If you get the kids to like you, you'll keep the job. :) Good luck! Hope that helps, Average Joe Marketer