Last week we shared a few different ways for kids to make some extra cash. Now lets talk about babysitting as a great first job. Even better than a job, help your child think of this as their own business.
Share this advice with them and soon they’ll be rocking (the babies) and rolling (in cash):
* Make a business plan. A business plan is like a road map. Use it to decide how you’ll find children to babysit, how often you’ll babysit, and how you’ll market your skills. The families you’d like to babysit for will be impressed that you’re so organized and professional.
* Find investors and mentors. Investors put time, money, or advice into another person’s business because they want to share in its success. Maybe your parents will help pay for a first-aid class. Perhaps your older cousin has been babysitting for years and can mentor, or teach you what she knows. Whoever your backers are, use them as resources to help you succeed.
* Prepare and practice. Families are more likely to hire you if you’re confident about your abilities. That’s why taking a babysitting or first-aid class is a must. When you finish the class and are certified as a “safe sitter,” practice your skills. Volunteer to help with kids at church, at the library, or in your neighborhood.
* Decide how much to charge. Talk to neighbors, parents, and friends to see what they have paid sitters in the past. This will give you an idea of the “going rate” around town.
* Advertise. Ask your parents and relatives to spread the word about your skills, make business cards or flyers to give to friends and neighbors, or make a website.
With all the planning and practice, you soon will have a fun, and profitable, babysitting business. The next step is to budget for things you’d like to spend your earnings on, and how much you’d like to save for later. Putting your earnings in your Liberty Savings account can help your earnings grow and work for you even more–if you’re not sure about something with your Youth Account, be sure to ask us! We’re here to help you understand your account and have healthy finances now and in the future.