Babysitting gives JMU students additional money-making option

At one time or another, most young girls dream of being one of Ann M. Martin’s characters in "The Babysitters Club." A few go out to advertise their services, while others babysit family friends. Many girls have already experienced the stinky diapers and screaming children. But some are still so captivated by young children that they make a part or full-time job out of babysitting.

One student, sophomore Stephanie Barnhardt, has been helping her sister and mother babysit for 10 years. Barnhardt’s mother, a day care provider, hires Barnhardt during the summer months to help her care for ten children and pays her $200 a week for her help. Barnhardt likes watching children and plans to become a pediatric nurse.

"I enjoy watching kids for money," Barnhardt said. "It’s an easy job and since I have a lot of patience, it‘s enjoyable."

Barnhardt makes a steady income in the summer babysitting, but plans to have an additional part-time job this coming summer to help satisfy her spending habits.

Other students don’t have a steady paying babysitting job. Freshman Jessica Moore babysits during the summer months as well. Moore doesn’t advertise and only babysits for people who have been referred to her. Her mother, a teacher, often refers Moore to parents. Although babysitting is fun, "Sometimes you don’t get paid very well," which can be frustrating, said Moore.

Unlike Barnhardt, Moore isn’t paid a set salary each week. "I don’t have a set rate — usually whatever they can pay," Moore said. "I babysit kids who have divorced parents, so I work for less."

Some girls choose to take a different career path, especially when they come to school and have a lot of expenses they must take care of.

"When I was younger I babysat, but I didn’t like the inconsistency of it, besides I like knowing that I am getting a paycheck every two weeks instead of having to depend on a family going out for the night," said Estock, who now works breaks and summers at a golf and country club and works at the bookstore during the school year.

Responsibility is also important in babysitting, so some people prefer to avoid taking chances.

"I like being able to interact with other people, knowing if an emergency came up I could leave work early or come in late if I had to — you can’t do that if you are in charge of a child," said Estock.

If you’re in need of a babysitter or if you’re a babysitter trying to get some prospective job opportunities, visit www.babysitters.com. With over 40,000 members you’re bound to find exactly what you need. With a few questions you’ll instantly be connected to babysitters in your area, or you can register as a babysitter so that people can contact you if you fit their babysitting needs.

Parents contact a wanted babysitter through their email address and thus a valid email address is required upon registration.

You can also visit the site to find resources and articles about babysitting. Learn about training courses, a ‘babysitters checklist,’ or, if you’re a parent, read up on some ideas for date night.