How to Become the Go-To Babysitter for Every Family

Let’s face it: babysitters have a tough gig. I mean, back in my day, we were lucky to make a measly dollar an hour for each child. Now, parents are shelling out upwards of $10 an hour, and I’ve heard of rates that could rival my first car payment. Seriously, what happened to the days of simple babysitting? If you’re looking to be the beloved babysitter every family calls, here’s how to ace the role and earn that lakeside retreat in Como.

1. Communicate Effectively

I’m convinced that once kids hit their teen years, their verbal skills take a nosedive. Just the other day, I had a babysitter who barely spoke to me. When I inquired about the kids’ evening, I got nothing more than some awkward hand signals and a thumbs-up. Parents need to know you can articulate in case of emergencies. Please don’t let me wonder if I should call 9-1-1 or a wildlife rescue team.

2. Be Proactive

When I’m on my way home, I always give my babysitters a heads-up text: “Hey! On our way – be home in 30 minutes!” What I really mean is, “Please clean up the chaos before I return!” While I don’t expect you to scrub the floors, a little tidying up—like putting away toys—will definitely earn you a repeat call.

3. Feel at Home

I’m entrusting you with my kids, so I hope you see yourself as part of the family. Relax, settle in, and start engaging with the kids. Feel free to rummage through the kitchen for snacks, but hands off my favorite Skinny Pop! Trust me, you don’t want to go there.

4. Stay Engaged

You might think high schoolers are glued to their devices, but surprisingly, many don’t prioritize babysitting when they could be scrolling through social media. A quick response to my inquiries would be appreciated. And if you’re busy, please recommend some of your fellow sitters—I’ll always give you first dibs on the job.

5. Keep Me Updated

I know some parents prefer to forget about their kids while they’re out, but I’m not one of them. A quick text or photo showing everyone is safe and sound would be fantastic. However, gauge your audience—some parents might not appreciate the interruption.

6. Share Your Insights

Being a babysitter means you have a fresh perspective on life outside of parenting. I’d love to hear about your latest fashion finds or concerts you’ve attended. Treat our conversations like a fun chat with an older sibling as I try to keep up with the latest trends (and perhaps show you my dance moves from the ‘90s).

7. Wrap It Up with Stories

Parents adore hearing about the funny antics their kids pull off while they’re away. Spin a tale about how they might have been little angels or even tell a fib about a new talent they discovered—who wouldn’t want to hear that their child learned how to read while they were out? It’s the little things that make us feel good.

In conclusion, parents are grateful for the care you provide to their little ones. We know it’s a challenging job, and we appreciate you for it. Just remember—be awesome, but not too awesome. A hint of jealousy is a natural part of the game.

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