Dirty diapers. Temper tantrums. Picky eaters. Yep, babysitting definitely has its challenges. But if you think you have what it takes (and want to stash away some serious cash), we're breaking down everything you need to know to impress parents...and be every kid's favorite sitter.
PERFECT PREP
You've been helping your parents take care of your younger sibs for years, so you're totally ready to start your babysitting biz...right? Not so fast. Being a sitter is a major responsibility, so proper preparation is key.
GET CERTIFIED.
Show parents you're prepared to handle any sitch-from a minor cut to a major emergency by signing up for a CPR and first-aid course at your community center. Cement your pro status by taking a babysitting class, too (the American Red Cross offers one online at redcross.org).
READY YOUR REFERENCES.
Before chatting up potential clients, gather a few character references: Ask your youth group leader, a favorite teacher, your cross-country coach or a neighbor for a quick written endorsement. Then, put together a short brag sheet of quotes about you with their names and contact info. Having a few trusted adults vouch for how responsible you are is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition and prove to parents you're the girl for the job.
TEST THE WATERS.
This story is from the October/November 2022 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2022 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Now loading: Meditation mode
Haven't tried it yet? Here's your start-this-second strategy to find your center, no matter the strom.
Spread some cheer (here and there and everywhere)
You know that girl who's always bringing the holiday hype? Oh wait...that's you!
How to eat more vegetables (even if you truly hate them)
GOING DAYS—OR EVEN, YIKES, WEEKS—WITHOUT A SINGLE GREEN? THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.
THIS IS THE YEAR YOU CHANGE THE WORLD
It's exciting to be a part of the generation people say will transform the future.
NEW YEAR'S resolutions officially OUT
What's in, you ask? New Year's intentions, aka the strategy that'll *actually* make all your end-of-December dreams come true.
"Ugh! My family is so...
OK. we're just going to say it: It's valid to sometimes get furiously frustrated and downright disappointed with your nearest and dearest. (Take that as permission to feel *all* your feels rn.) Our gift to you? Breaking down these daunting holiday dynamics so you can get back to being a fa-la-la family again.
Dear Carol
CRUSHING ON A POPULAR BOY There is this boy I've been crushing on.
YOUR 2025 CONFIDENCE GLOW-UP
Sure, you could whisper some mantras, ask your besties to gas you up and listen to \"Bejeweled\" on repeat...or you could try these simple (but srsly effective) hacks for making 2025 your most confident era yet.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Hunter L., 16, is really tired. Not the kind of tired when you stay up scrolling on TikTok, but tired of, well, being a teenager.
READ THIS before you hard launch
You and your crush are one what-are-we convo away from making it official...except for that one thing.