Some information/advice on baby sitting?

Question

Hi,

A friend and I are interested in babysitting for our local neighborhoods. Not just babysitting, but offering a variety of services such as tutoring, computer classes, small meals, and other general services. We are both considered smart and responsible. Both of us have done previous babysitting, but not together. We both know CPR, and general first aid, but do not have the certificates (where would we get them from?). We don't currently have any red cross work shops in town so we are unable to get a babysitting certificate. What information would you look for, and what information would you want? Please, I'd prefer if you replied if you have experience in baby sitting or if you have children. We intend to deliver flyer's around our local areas, so if you have any basic templates then that would be appreciated.

Basically, what would look friendly, yet responsible, simple but informative at the same time in your oppinion?

Thanks,

Angie.

Answer 1

Hi Angie,

Your business sounds like a great service.  I have four children and have had three others live with me as well,  and I would have loved a service like yours.

I don't know of any place to get a certificate except from the Red Cross and a trip to a nearby town for a class might be worth the trouble and expense.  If you took first aid and CPR through school--as students do here-- your teacher might be able to help you out.  As far as the babysitting certificate, you and your friend could certainly get material from the library and learn it.  It's not the piece of paper you get at the end of a course that makes you a good sitter, but what you learned to earn the paper.

As a parent, I would be influenced to use your service if you'd provide some information about what qualifications you have to teach my child about computers and what he or she would learn.  

As you are looking at services to provide, I can make a couple of suggestions you might use:  One would be to offer kids' cooking class.  You wouldn't have to do anything fancy--just kid-friendly basics that kids cookbooks from your library could give you ideas about.  A friend and I did this with our own children one summer, and it was a hit with everyone.  Those dirt cups made with instant pudding and oreo crumbs with a gummy worm in it is an example.  I'd stay away from anything involving the stove or sharp knives though.  (How about fruit cabobs?)

Art or craft programs would also be a good idea.  As I was writing this, another idea came to me.  Even a two-hour weekly game time would be great.  You could have the kids run relay races or play old-fashioned, but still great games that kids can't play without a good sized group.  How about red rover and kickball?  Oooh!  Water balloons!

Good luck to you Angie.  Make sure you and your friend get the money thing figured out so that doesn't create a problem between you.  How much will you spend for materials?  How will you pay for those flyers?  

(I got going again, didn't I?  Good luck to you guys.)