I know what you’re thinking. Babysitting is just a job for teenagers. And either you can’t find enough work from babysitting to make any money, or you have to find someone who wants to hire you full-time, which takes way too much work. Let me tell you though, babysitting is a fantastic way to make a little extra cash for Christmas.
While most people think of babysitting as an occasional Friday night out, this is far from the only option. There are tons of other, additional opportunities that might be just right for you and your busy schedule!
Babysitting Over Christmas Break
For example, consider what happens to schools for the two weeks right around Christmas. They close down. This means that working mothers who had a place to send their school-aged children all day suddenly need to find full-time care for their kids for only two weeks. If you are looking for a way to earn a big chunk of cash quickly and you are at home anyways, this can be a great way to go!
Babysitting so Parents Can Go Christmas Shopping
Another great option is babysitting on Saturdays so people can get their Christmas shopping done. After all, parents don’t want their children with them when they go shopping for presents, and many working parents don’t have time to go during the day when their children are in school. Combine weekend babysitting with a little party prep and you may get a number of great offers!
Additional Babysitting Ideas
While babysitting over Christmas break and babysitting so parents can go Christmas shopping are the two best options for this time of year, there are plenty of other options available to you if you are willing to get creative. For example, you may offer to drive another mom’s kids to school in the morning so she can get started on her New Year’s Resolution to start exercising every morning before work. Alternately, you may be able to babysit a few kids before or after school to help moms balance their work schedules and their children’s school schedules.
While these types of opportunities are generally more plentiful at the beginning of the school year, they really can be found at any time. After all, you might meet a mom who has just accepted a new job or who has had her hours shifted and so her needs have changed.
How to Find Babysitting Jobs
The best ways of finding babysitting jobs today have probably changed somewhat since when you babysat as a teenager. Here’s what you should do: First, start by talking to any moms you know who might need additional care for their kids. Post a status on Facebook, asking if anyone knows anyone else who may need help. Next, sign up for a babysitting website like care.com or sittercity.com to find moms near you who need your help. Ask around in mom’s groups that you are a part of or even post a flier at the grocery store. The more places you can advertise, the better your chances of finding work will be.
What You Need to Know Before You Begin Babysitting
If you have kids of your own and you are only taking on one or two more as a part-time gig, then you probably know all you need to already. If you plan to provide full-time care for several children, however, you will want to check the laws in your area to find out what you need to do in terms of licensing. Each state varies, but if you routinely watch several children, you may be considered a small business, and there will be tax and legal information you’ll need to know.
More Ways to Make Money for Christmas
- 6 Steps to Make Money Shopping This Holiday Season
- Supplemental Income Ideas for Those Who Don’t Want a “Job-Job”
When is the last time you babysat for profit? Does this seem like an income-making strategy that could fit into your busy schedule?
Keri Rice says
Had fun reading your post. There’s really no harm in earning extra cash. May it be gruesome due to high volume of spit and stains but the experience is worth it. I can still remember the first time I tried baby sitting. It was pretty rewarding specially the payment part!