Everyone knows that babysitting is one of the most fun and efficient side hustles. But even the most seasoned babysitters can have a hard time handling the kids and making a good impression. If you want to start taming tots but you’re worried your skills aren’t quite up to par, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to become the best babysitter *ever.*

Getting Started

Sure, finding a snack everyone likes and settling fights is tricky, but one of the hardest parts? Scoring the job in the first place. No matter how hard you manifest it, families won’t always just fall into your lap. You’ve got to put yourself out there! Does your mom’s friend have some younger kids? What about your next-door neighbor? Shoot them a friendly text letting them know you’re available. (Try: “Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I just started my own babysitting biz, so if you ever need anyone, let me know! [Kid’s name] is so adorable!”)

If you don’t know anyone you could work for, there are plenty of online babysitting platforms that you could look into to find a job. You could also use social media to advertise your new biz (it may be ancient, but most moms are *chronically* on Facebook). Hop on Canva and whip up a cute graphic to post your skills.

Getting To Know The Kids

Before you start your job, make sure to ask the parents you’ll be working for a few friendly Q’s about their kiddos–you want to be prepared for any sitch.

Does your kid have any allergies?

What’s your preferred bedtime? Do they have trouble sleeping?

Does your kid have any major fears that may pop up?

What are your restrictions on screen time? Do you mind the kid(s) being on their iPads?

It’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into, so don’t be afraid to do some digging before your first job. And once you meet them? Ask the kid about themselves! There’s nothing a kid loves more than a cool older person who seems genuinely interested in them.

Making A Good Impression

Kids may be hard to please, but the real challenge is impressing the parents. The first step? Arrive a few minutes early. It will show you take the job seriously and will give you time to talk to them about their expectations and rules.

Another pro babysitter move? Nix the screens. (Yep, that includes yours.) It’s v. impressive if you can get the kids up and out (that’s enough Minecraft for today, tyvm) while taking some much-needed screen-reset time yourself.

Preparing For The Worst

Even though we’d like to say that babysitting is all sunshine and daisies, sometimes…it’s not. Sometimes, being responsible for others’ lives can be nerve-wracking, difficult and downright scary.

Before the parents leave, make sure you ask for a list of contact numbers to call for help in case of emergency (always call the parents first, but if they don’t respond, you can pick trusted friends from this list). And, if you’ve got an allergy kiddo on your hands, make sure that you know where their EpiPen is, just in case.

If you’re dealing with a difficult sitch (think: a major meltdown), tell the kids in a kind but firm voice what they’re doing wrong and why it’s harmful, then be ready to redirect with a new activity (like a book or craft).

Staying Engaged

When the kids are playing, you shouldn’t just “supervise”—be all in! Whether that means going full-out warrior princess with them while playing dress up or teaching them your signature toe-touch on the trampoline, you should never be bored while babysitting.

Besides being more involved in their activities, there are tons of other ways you can switch up the way you treat the kids to automatically make you the fave. First, don’t talk to them like they’re babies. Cutting back on the baby talk makes the kids feel cool, mature and seen. It also helps to kneel down or bend over a little bit when you’re talking to kids so that you’re not having to look down (literally!) on them.

Tag us on IG @girlslifemag with your best babysitting tips!

Looking for more girl-bossing inspo? Check out our other articles down below!
💎 Make It Happen 2026: Turn Your Crafty Hobby Into A Side Hustle
🏡 Make It Happen 2026: This GL Girl Is Earning Money With Her Own AirBnb
🎬 Make It Happen 2026: Ever Wanted To Be On TV? This GL Girl Is A Background Actor

Pictures: @littletreasures_babysit, @_alenkaov_, @kalilacraig