The Role & Expectations
The work is mostly keeping children safe, happy and to their routine - playing, feeding, bathing, reading stories and getting them to bed - and tidying up afterwards. The most important part is being reliable and calm, knowing what to do if a child is upset or unwell, and keeping parents informed.
It is usually casual, cash-or-app work paid by the hour, often around or a little above minimum wage and higher in some areas or for several children. Hours are irregular and evening-heavy, and you carry real responsibility while you are the only adult in charge.
You do not need qualifications to babysit informally, and most people get started through family, friends, neighbours or babysitting apps and word of mouth. A paediatric first aid course is a big plus, and any more formal or registered childcare work brings stricter rules and background checks.
Daily Responsibilities
- Keep children safe and supervised at all times
- Prepare snacks or meals and tidy up
- Play games and read or do activities
- Follow bedtime and bath routines
- Comfort and settle upset children
- Deal calmly with minor accidents or illness
- Update parents on how the evening went