Babysitting for Other People's Children

I have done before and after school care for two boys for the past five years. I also do casual child care for a few families, usually a few hours a couple times a week, when mom and dads workdays overlap a bit. I don't want any kids full time. When word gets around that you are a stay at home mom you get lots of people asking! I also do child care part time at the local Y, so between the Y and the kids school I get lots of people asking for my services. I let the families offer what they want to pay since I don't really do it for a living.

I have never done it, but my babysitter was $20/day but this is in a small area in northwestern ohio. Every city is different. I couldn't watch other people's kids. I can barely watch my own let along someone else's. But that is me!

Whatever you do, try not to charge per hour. It is harder to remember everyone's expense unless you are really organized and write everyone's down every day! So charge per day to make it easier. Also remember, if you do plan to watch other kids, do your best not to take any days off. I had problems with my sitter's before I became a SAHM from them taking off for appointments and scheduling vacations. I'm not shunning you away from doing this because we all need excellent childcare.

Good Luck!!!

Each region/city will vary in what is charged.

Keep in mind, that when you babysit other people's kids.... they will claim you on their taxes. Therefore, you need to claim the income on your taxes too.

Also keep in mind, that there are state laws on the ratio of adult to child. So if you have one kid, and you, then fine. But if you have say 4 kids and you, then what? You need to see what your city's regulations are, the business license requirements, what Providers need to do, have a fully baby/kid safe home, have liability insurance, contracts for the parents to sign off on, rules for things. if the parents bring their kids foods and diapers or if you provide that, the time frame, and if you charge hourly or a flat monthly rate regardless if they show up or not, absence/sick policies, a contract for parent to sign if you are "transporting" the kids in your car, if you are just going to babysit and play, or "school" them?
What ages will you babysit?
Do you have a crib? place for them to nap?
Toys just for the kids you babysit? Your own kids may not want other kids to play with their toys. It is best, if you separate... your own kids' toys from the babysitting business. etc.

Lots to think about.

If you are only going to babysit 1 child, then well, lots of SAHMS do that without any formal business license or provider certifications.
Do you have CPR or First Aid certification? Most parents want that.

I have done child care from my home, when my eldest was a toddler and before I had my 2nd child.
I did it for close to 3 years.

I've had 8 or 9 people ask me lately to babysit. Once it gets around that you are a good provider, you'll have people banging down your door. Good care is hard to come by, and people know that. I charge $120 a week but I'm worth more. ;)