The Badge Archive

General Safety Reminder: Always meet in a public place and during daylight hours when working for someone new. Let your parent or guardian know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and what time you expect to return. Never share personal information beyond your first name and a contact method like a phone number or email. Avoid giving out your home address, school name, or other identifying details.

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Babysitting is one of the most trusted ways for teens to earn money while gaining responsibility, patience, and communication skills. Families often prefer a local sitter they already know, especially for short evening jobs or weekend care.

You don’t need to babysit every weekend to earn good money, even a few jobs a month can help cover hobbies, clothes, or savings. As you gain experience, you’ll be able to charge more and work with more families comfortably.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Understand what babysitting involves – Check out the Babysitter GSUSA badge!
   • Playing with children and keeping them safe
   • Preparing snacks or helping with meals
   • Helping with bedtime routines or calming kids when needed
   • Communicating clearly with parents before and after each job
2. Get basic training and build confidence
   • Take a babysitting course if available (local Red Cross, YMCA, or free guides online)
   • Learn simple games, crafts, and ways to handle emergencies
   • Ask your school nurse or counselor for tips on age-appropriate care
3. Offer babysitting to people you know first
   • Start with family friends, neighbors, or coworkers of your parents
   • Volunteer for short sessions or group events to get hands-on practice
   • Ask parents if you can babysit with backup at first (such as while they’re working from home)
4. Set beginner-friendly rates
   • These starter rates work well for short, local jobs:
     • $6/hour for 1 child
     • $8/hour for 2 children
     • $10–$12/hour for 3+ children or if helping with cleanup or bedtime
   • Offer trial pricing for first-time families (example: $15 for two hours)
5. Make a flyer or message to find new families
   • Include:
     • Your name and grade level
     • “Babysitting available – reliable high school student”
     • Age groups you feel comfortable with
     • Your starter rates
     • Days and times you’re available (after school, weekends, school breaks)
     • Contact info (email or a parent’s phone number)
6. Be professional and safe
   • Bring a note sheet with:
     • Emergency contacts
     • Basic medical info and allergies
     • Bedtime and snack preferences
   • Keep your phone charged and ask questions before the parents leave
   • After the session, leave a short update — what games you played, how the evening went, and anything important to know
7. Ask for feedback and referrals
   • After babysitting a few times, ask parents if they’d recommend you to others
   • A positive quote or review can help build trust with new families
   • Save any thank-you notes or messages you receive to show future clients

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Sample Rates

Rates by Experience Level

Experience Level	1 Child	2 Children	3+ Children or Added Duties
Teen Beginner (First few jobs)	$6–$8/hour	$8–$10/hour	$10–$12/hour
Teen Experienced (6+ jobs or CPR certified)	$10–$12/hour	$12–$15/hour	$15–$18/hour
Professional Sitter / Adult Service	$15–$20/hour	$18–$25/hour	$25–$30/hour

Sample Beginner Flyer

Local Babysitting Services – Trusted Help from a High School Student

Are you looking for a responsible, friendly sitter to care for your children during evenings or weekends? I’m a dependable high school student offering babysitting services to local families. Whether you need a few hours out or extra help during busy times, I’m here to help.

Services Offered:

• Supervised playtime and homework support
• Snack preparation and light cleanup
• Bedtime routines and quiet time activities
• Age-appropriate entertainment (games, stories, crafts)

Rates:

• $6/hour for 1 child
• $8/hour for 2 children
• $10–$12/hour for 3 or more children
  Discount available for first-time families or short trial sessions

Availability:

• Weekday evenings
• Weekends
• School breaks and holidays

About Me:

• Patient and dependable with children
• Comfortable with toddlers through elementary-aged kids
• Willing to meet ahead of time for a quick introduction
• Parent-approved and happy to provide references

Contact Information: [Your Full Name]
[Email Address or Parent’s Phone Number]
[Optional: Neighborhood name or general area]

Let’s chat to see if I’d be a good fit for your family’s babysitting needs. Thank you!

Sample CPR Certified Flyer

Experienced Babysitting Services – CPR Certified & Friendly

Need a reliable babysitter with experience and safety training? I’m a responsible high school student offering babysitting services to local families. I’m certified in CPR, have completed a babysitting skills course, and have experience caring for children ages 2 through 10.

Services Offered:

• Supervised playtime and homework help
• Snack preparation and cleanup
• Bedtime routines and calm-down activities
• Diaper changes and bathroom support if needed
• Activity planning with books, crafts, and games

Rates:

• $10/hour for 1 child
• $12/hour for 2 children
• $14/hour for 3 or more children
• Weekend and evening availability — no extra fee

Experience:

• Over 10 successful babysitting jobs
• CPR certified through [organization name, optional]
• Positive reviews from local families
• Comfortable with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged children

Availability:

• Weeknights after school
• Weekend afternoons and evenings
• Flexible scheduling over holidays and school breaks

Contact Information: [Your Full Name]
[Email Address or Parent’s Contact Info]
[Optional: Neighborhood name or general area]

I’d be happy to schedule a quick meet-and-greet before babysitting, so your child feels comfortable and you get peace of mind. I take safety and fun seriously — thank you for considering me!

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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