When the prime years for lemonade stand management have run their course, one of the first occupations filled by many tweens is babysitting. It’s no small job, and it’s no small industry! Childcare as a whole is responsible for $21 billion changing hands every year.
According to studies, the average hourly wage for babysitting nationwide stands at $15 per hour. Obviously, that includes many professional (a.k.a. grown up) nannies, but the lesson is clear: babysitting can be a lucrative job.
Babysitting isn’t just a lesson in childcare. It’s an opportunity to learn about pricing, marketing, and customer service, too. Just like every other type of entrepreneurial endeavor, marketing matters! Our guide to the “4 P’s of Marketing” is a great exercise in taking your business to the next level.
Need some inspiration? A new book from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt titled Best Babysitters Ever chronicles the entrepreneurial endeavors of three friends on a quest to throw one epic birthday party. In order to fund their fun, they turn to babysitting. Perfect for middle schoolers, the book was written by Caroline Cala and is a modern tale inspired by The Babysitter’s Club.
Buy the book today at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other fine booksellers.
Starting a babysitting business? Check out our episode and corresponding lesson plan, “How to Succeed in Business.”