Can I Put Watching my Cousins as Work Experience on my Resume?

Question

I have been leaving it out on my current resume and putting the actual jobs I've worked only. The thing is I have cared for my 2 younger cousins (3 and 7) up until recently as a job. I started at 18 and just moved at 24. I got paid for it so I never really needed a "real" job. Now I'm looking for permanent employment and the little short stints on my resume don't really look very good. Should I or can I put childcare for a family on my resume without it looking bad?

I'm sorry if this sounds like a silly question but as I'm new to the job hunt I don't really know. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

If you're applying for a government job, only put it down if you paid income taxes on the money and it was reported to the IRS. You don't want them to ding you for working under the table or anything like that. Ridiculous for babysitting work, I know, but it can happen!

And you should put something like "caregiver" or "household assistant".  But don't put something like "child care provider", "nanny", "nursery assistant" or "babysitter" as those jobs and titles are often regulated depending on where you live. Where  I live they require a state license and two 6 months work at a community college.

Answer 2

Yes, you can. You should put child care giver as your occupation.

Answer 3

yes you can and it won't look bad...it is the truth...a lie would be wrong.  And showing nothing would be bad because it looks like you have been doing nothing and have no ambition.  Good Luck looking for work

Answer 4

That is not a silly question, it is completely legitimate.  You certainly can put it on a resume.  You just need to word it correctly.  Baby-sitter would sound frivolous, but child care provider sounds professional.  Same job, different image.  Depending on how much responsibility you had, you may even put nanny for an occupation.  You will probably find a "real" job to be easier than raising children, I know my job is and I have over 50 employees!

Answer 5

Yes you can, play it up a bit and call it 'permanent paid childcare'. Put all your responsibilities.. leave out that you were related to them unless you are specifically asked.