Please reply as i need help

Babysitting Rates

Please reply as i need help

Babesitter2000 10-17-2007, 12:23 PM
Hello everyone, im a 14 yr old girl and am starting a babysitting business and need help. Im thinking i should charge about 6-8 $ per hour, is that too much? I love kids and i love too play games like monoply and stuff. But is that a little to... hard for them. I am a christian and love to do bible activities and stuff but is that still ok to do if they are not christian? Confused please respond. Oh, also, how do i let people know i babysit? make a poster and flyers?

Re: Please reply as i need help

babysitterlaura 10-17-2007, 2:52 PM
I think your rate sounds ok, but I would stay on the lower end of the $6-8 if you are not CPR or first aid certified, which I highly recommend.

As to weather children can play board games such as monopoly, it depends on the child. If you prefer children that you can interact with on that level, I suggest you advertise by saying something like "I have experience (but dont lie, if you dont have expereince with these age ranges, then say you prefer children in this range) with children between the ages of __ and___."

As for the christian activities.... that is entirly dependent upon the family. While you are in another families house you are expected to obey their rules, and accept their values, even though you may not agree. I would not recommend doing religious activities unless you know FOR SURE that the family is religious. If you prefer to only babysitt christians, I suggest putting up flyers in your church, that way you are babysitting for families you most likely already know, and you know that they are religious.

I do not suggest however, putting up flyers or posters in public areas. I think you should only do them in areas where you know alot of people, such as at your church, or maybe hand some flyers out to your neighbors with children. However, I still the best way to get clients is by word of mouth. Hope this has helped some, and I wish you good luck starting your business!!

Re: Please reply as i need help

Chosen7Stone 10-20-2007, 10:44 AM

babysitterlaura wrote:
As for the christian activities.... that is entirly dependent upon the family. While you are in another families house you are expected to obey their rules, and accept their values, even though you may not agree. I would not recommend doing religious activities unless you know FOR SURE that the family is religious. If you prefer to only babysitt christians, I suggest putting up flyers in your church, that way you are babysitting for families you most likely already know, and you know that they are religious.

I agree with babysitterlaura, but let me expound a bit. When you walk into a family's home, sometimes they'll have religious items about -- you'll see a cross or Bible verse on the wall, etc. Use your judgement, and offer it if you think they'll go for it. "If you like, I'd be happy to teach the children Bible stories in a fun way, or help them with their prayers before bed."

If the family is not Christian, your best witness will be in how you live your life. "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." Get it? You don't need to be doing an obvious activity to share your faith -- living your life in a Christ-like manner brings your beliefs into any home, and shows that you are sincere -- actions speak louder than words.

*Love in Christ from Mary*
1 Peter 2:4-5

Vote my agency, Seminole Sitters, the "Best Overall Business" in Tallahassee for the 2007 Tally Awards at EverythingTallahassee.com!!!

Re: Please reply as i need help

Miss Jiminy Cricket 10-23-2007, 3:06 PM

definitely agree with chosen on the witnessing...bad language is a no no anyway...but a parent will tell by your peacefullness etc that theres something special about you.

as it happens the family i sit for mostly are christian...it was actually the mother who lead me to make a commitment...im an extremely new christian :)

when you do teach them the gospel though...be extremely simple if you understand what i mean...don't start preaching about hell and fire or laying down hard rules...tell the bible as it really is...and exciting and beautiful story!

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself. LUKE 10:27

An Eye For An Eye Only Ends Up Making The Whole World Blind.