3 answers
Girls
Student
Canada Bay, New South Wales, Australia
15
Questions
Asked
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I’ve been thinking about babysitting as a career path, and I’m curious—what skills do you think are the most important for someone to succeed in babysitting long-term ?
And how can someone stand out in this field?
3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1327
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hi there,
Alright so babysitting might sound like just watching kids, but it's actually a pretty awesome job if you're someone who loves spending time with little ones. The best part? It’s not just a side gig — it can turn into a real career if you play your cards right. Honestly, Bright and Trisha gave some solid advice, especially about getting certified and treating babysitting like a serious job. But here's the secret most people don't tell you — the best babysitters aren't just the ones who show up on time or know how to change a diaper. The ones who stand out are the ones who make kids feel safe, happy, and excited to spend time with them. Trust me parents want this experience heard from their kids and see through their eyes.
If you're thinking about babysitting long-term, the first thing to know is that parents don't just want someone to watch their kids — they want someone who genuinely cares about their little humans. That's what makes a babysitter unforgettable.
One of the best ways to stand out is to bring your own little magic into the job. If you're good at drawing, bring some crayons and teach the kids how to sketch their favorite animals. If you love music, play some songs and have a mini dance party. Love reading? Create a little storytime session before bed. Little things like that turn you from just "the babysitter" into someone kids actually look forward to seeing.
Being responsible is super important too. Parents want to know their kids are in good hands. That means showing up on time, following any rules they give you, and keeping the house tidy when they're gone. But don't forget — babysitting isn't just about rules. It's about making sure kids feel safe, happy, and cared for while their parents are away.
Communication is a total game-changer in this job. Sending a quick text like, "Hey! We just finished snack time and now we're building a blanket fort!" makes parents feel way more at ease. If you're really feeling fancy, you can even write a little report at the end of the day with what the kids did, what they ate, and any cute or funny moments that happened.
If you're serious about making babysitting more than just a weekend gig, certifications like CPR and First Aid will not only make parents trust you more but also show you're someone who takes this job seriously. There are even online courses that teach you about child behavior, which can give you an edge when dealing with tricky situations like tantrums or bedtime battles.
The best babysitters aren't just the ones who follow the rules — they're the ones who make a little magic happen while still keeping everything under control. If you start small, build up your skills, and keep finding ways to go the extra mile, you could totally turn babysitting into a full-on career — or even your own little babysitting business one day.
You're not just a babysitter — you're someone who helps kids feel safe, happy, and loved when their parents aren't around. That's a pretty amazing job if you ask me.
start by offering to babysit for friends, neighbors, or family to build up experience.
Get your certifications (CPR & First Aid) , create a little babysitting kit with some games and activities, and let your personality shine through.
Alright so babysitting might sound like just watching kids, but it's actually a pretty awesome job if you're someone who loves spending time with little ones. The best part? It’s not just a side gig — it can turn into a real career if you play your cards right. Honestly, Bright and Trisha gave some solid advice, especially about getting certified and treating babysitting like a serious job. But here's the secret most people don't tell you — the best babysitters aren't just the ones who show up on time or know how to change a diaper. The ones who stand out are the ones who make kids feel safe, happy, and excited to spend time with them. Trust me parents want this experience heard from their kids and see through their eyes.
If you're thinking about babysitting long-term, the first thing to know is that parents don't just want someone to watch their kids — they want someone who genuinely cares about their little humans. That's what makes a babysitter unforgettable.
One of the best ways to stand out is to bring your own little magic into the job. If you're good at drawing, bring some crayons and teach the kids how to sketch their favorite animals. If you love music, play some songs and have a mini dance party. Love reading? Create a little storytime session before bed. Little things like that turn you from just "the babysitter" into someone kids actually look forward to seeing.
Being responsible is super important too. Parents want to know their kids are in good hands. That means showing up on time, following any rules they give you, and keeping the house tidy when they're gone. But don't forget — babysitting isn't just about rules. It's about making sure kids feel safe, happy, and cared for while their parents are away.
Communication is a total game-changer in this job. Sending a quick text like, "Hey! We just finished snack time and now we're building a blanket fort!" makes parents feel way more at ease. If you're really feeling fancy, you can even write a little report at the end of the day with what the kids did, what they ate, and any cute or funny moments that happened.
If you're serious about making babysitting more than just a weekend gig, certifications like CPR and First Aid will not only make parents trust you more but also show you're someone who takes this job seriously. There are even online courses that teach you about child behavior, which can give you an edge when dealing with tricky situations like tantrums or bedtime battles.
The best babysitters aren't just the ones who follow the rules — they're the ones who make a little magic happen while still keeping everything under control. If you start small, build up your skills, and keep finding ways to go the extra mile, you could totally turn babysitting into a full-on career — or even your own little babysitting business one day.
You're not just a babysitter — you're someone who helps kids feel safe, happy, and loved when their parents aren't around. That's a pretty amazing job if you ask me.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Your advice was so helpful!
Girls
Okay so, I read what you said, and like... yeah, that actually makes a lot of sense. Merci for that. Babysitting isn't just, like, watching kids—it’s actually kinda serious, eh? Never thought about how much parents really want someone who cares and not just someone who shows up. That’s kinda big.
But, uh… so what if I wanna go even bigger? Like, not just be a babysitter, but actually turn it into, I dunno, a real thing? Maybe my own daycare or something? Is that even possible, or am I just dreaming too much? Like, how do people even start something like that? Feels kinda huge, y'know?
Anyway, thanks again. That was really good advice.
Girls
You’ve got such a great perspective on babysitting, and you’re absolutely right—it's way more than just watching kids. The true magic happens when you genuinely connect with them and make the experience fun and safe for everyone involved.
As for turning this into something bigger, like a daycare—YES! You’re not just dreaming; you’re planning. The first step is to make sure you’re building solid skills, and getting certified in things like CPR and First Aid is huge. It shows parents you’re serious and dependable. Then, as you start babysitting more regularly, you can slowly grow your reputation. Word of mouth is powerful in this field.
Dr H
If you’re looking to go even bigger, start small—maybe offer to watch more kids at once, host playgroups, or help with after-school care. As you build experience, you’ll learn more about what works for both kids and parents. Once you’re ready, you can look into opening your own daycare with the right licenses and certifications. People start daycares with little more than a passion for kids and a solid plan, so you’re already on the right way!
Dr H
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
33
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
At first I would take a babysitting certification class. It's CPR and general information. That is very important. It all starts with one job and then references. Do a great job and you could be a Nanny someday. My neice was just asked by one of her families to go to Switzerland with them this summer. Also, if you love working with kids you can consider a day care or something like that at anytime. Good luck!
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Babysitting is a career path that requires a solid set of skills and a professional approach. Essential skills include child development knowledge, safety and first aid, communication skills, patience and adaptability, organizational and time management, problem-solving and decision-making, creativity and playfulness, and responsibility and reliability.
To stand out in the babysitting field, one should treat it as a serious profession, be punctual, reliable, and dress appropriately, create a professional resume and references, offer specialized services like tutoring or homework help, language skills, musical or artistic talents, and experience with children with special needs. Building a strong reputation involves asking for testimonials and referrals from satisfied parents, creating a professional online presence, continuing education on child development, safety, and best practices, creating engaging activities, excellent communication, background checks and certifications, and being proactive.
To stand out in the babysitting field, one should be punctual, reliable, and dress appropriately, create a professional resume and references, offer specialized services, build a strong reputation, continue to stay up-to-date on child development, safety, and best practices, create engaging activities, provide detailed daily reports to parents, and be proactive in communicating any concerns or observations.
By developing these skills and taking these steps, one can build a successful and rewarding career in babysitting. By focusing on these essential skills and taking proactive steps, one can build a successful and rewarding career in the field.
To stand out in the babysitting field, one should treat it as a serious profession, be punctual, reliable, and dress appropriately, create a professional resume and references, offer specialized services like tutoring or homework help, language skills, musical or artistic talents, and experience with children with special needs. Building a strong reputation involves asking for testimonials and referrals from satisfied parents, creating a professional online presence, continuing education on child development, safety, and best practices, creating engaging activities, excellent communication, background checks and certifications, and being proactive.
To stand out in the babysitting field, one should be punctual, reliable, and dress appropriately, create a professional resume and references, offer specialized services, build a strong reputation, continue to stay up-to-date on child development, safety, and best practices, create engaging activities, provide detailed daily reports to parents, and be proactive in communicating any concerns or observations.
By developing these skills and taking these steps, one can build a successful and rewarding career in babysitting. By focusing on these essential skills and taking proactive steps, one can build a successful and rewarding career in the field.
Thank you so much!
Girls
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