How much to charge for an overnight baby sitting job?

I'm a 14 year old girl (turning 15 soon) and want to start baby sitting. TIPS? ADVICE? WARNINGS?

• I'm not a huge kid fan, but I want to baby sit in order to learn job experience. I am very mature and responsible, not the party type of girl. What are some tips for baby sitting? What age group is the easiest? How much should I charge per hour? I'm an only child and have never had to take care of another human being or change a diaper or anything like that. Nope, I don't have any cousins to experiment on or anything.

• Answer:

  You want to about twice the age of the kids you are watching, and at your age that would also be the best age kids to watch. 7-11 age group has the least problems. Self entertaining, they need little supervision in general. Be "in charge" without being bossy. Keep a roll of duct tape in your back pack, and show it to the kids. Tell them you are not afraid to use it. $5 is a good start, but remember, that's per child.( I learned that lesson the hard way, got stuck with 8 kids one night!) Give a family discount, if siblings, but if strange kids get added, it's extra. Hard to manage children rate "hazardous duty" pay.Charge extra. Don't take checks, and don't give credit, unless it's an emergency. If they have money to go out, then they can pay you cash. Arrange for your own transportation, you don't want to be driven home by a drunk driver.