School breaks are the perfect times for pre-teens and teenagers to earn some extra money by getting a job and with schools out for spring break and summer vacation, there will be an influx of parents seeking childcare. These two factors provide youth with a wonderful job opportunity — babysitting.
Youth work experiences provide many benefits. Personal growth that results from early work experiences help youth build their soft skills, which are character traits and interpersonal skills needed for all jobs throughout life. It also helps build their resume and leads to higher-paying future jobs.
Babysitting can be a fun way for young adults to earn money fast. Here are some other benefits:
• Enhancing communication skills
By working for parents, sitters learn communication skills that will carry over to all other lines of work in the future. Caregivers must build strong relationships with families to show they are reliable and can be trusted to take care of young children.
Working with young children also requires leadership, conflict management, and problem-solving skills that many places of employment look for in candidates.
• Gaining valuable work experience
Experience in childcare can be beneficial for both the sitter’s personal and professional life. If they are considering pursuing a career involving young children, this provides them with first-hand experience of what that might look like on a day-to-day basis. It is also great for personal development as it prepares them for future parenting and caregiving roles. If they have a younger sibling at home that they watch on occasion, it also makes them more aware of how to care for and interact with them to create positive experiences.
• Earning potential and flexibility
Babysitting jobs offer a source of income that is wonderful for students who want a job but might not be able to take on a 40-hour work week. Sitters have the control to make their work schedule and take on as many or as few jobs as they wish, depending on their capabilities, prior obligations, and drive to work.
• Building a sense of responsibility and empathy
Taking care of someone else’s child requires both of these skills. Sitters must prioritize the safety and well-being of the child(ren) in their care while also considering the child(ren)’s wants and needs. This balancing act helps build character and develops essential life skills for the provider.
To empower young entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to become a babysitter, the Southwind Extension District is hosting clinics for youth ages 12-18. Topics of focus will include leadership skills, job readiness, child safety, and cooking skills and nutrition. There will also be hands-on CPR and First Aid training. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or call (620) 625-8620.
