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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Would you hire me?

42 replies

siwel123 · 23/09/2017 11:45

Recently been told that due to me being a 16 year old male, even with a DBS check, First Aid qualifications and past experience babysitting that I shouldn't try be a babysitter.

I have recently put flyers and facebook ads online, asking if anyone needed my help on any evenings or the weekends for £5 an hour, and lots of people have been saying I shouldn't want to be around kids alone.

Are they right, and should I try get another job? But I love babysitting kids, it fits to my schedule and I make more money then working a proper part time job however I feel i'm getting branded as untrustworthy as i'm a male.

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longestlurkerever · 23/09/2017 14:52

Thinking more about this - perhaps you could turn the tables and use your sex as a USP? Some people are actively looking for male role models for their children. Don't suppose you speak another language? Round here lots of people are seeking a tutor with a particular language - normally their own native language which their dc don't speak as well as they'd like.

Tutoring is the other job that might be available at weekends, though I don't really know what people look for in a tutor. You'd have thought people would want a qualified teacher, but I've seen students advertise themselves as available for tutoring.

longestlurkerever · 23/09/2017 14:46

As for weekend babysitting - this does tend to be casual. Babysitting is expensive and not many people can afford more than the occasional night out. After school pick ups or breakfast drop offs are where the regular gigs are normally at. If you could advertise yourself as willing to do pick ups and ferrying to activities etc then you'd be a bargain at £5 per hour imo.

longestlurkerever · 23/09/2017 14:43

There are a few male teenage babysitters near me - the reaction you're getting seems a bit extreme! Having said that for my small kids I've tended to go for babysitters I already know or have a connection to (staff at nursery, our cleaner) rather than a random teenager, male or female, though I'd be reassured if someone had their DBS checks and a first aid certificate. Perhaps it's just not that easy to build up a client base as a teen, male or female? I used to do a lot of babysitting as a teen but it started with our next door neighbours and then I'd get recommended to other people. Once you've got your foot in the door it should be easier - lots of clubs run at the weekend - do you have any other interests (martial arts, football, gymnastics or whatever) that might lead to a job?

Original poster
siwel123 · 23/09/2017 14:38

Pastacube, thanks.

As I can only really work weekends, is there any jobs involving kids that I can do on weekends.

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Pastacube · 23/09/2017 14:28

playwork has lots of males in employment, google for holiday playscheme work esp local authorities. in time for halloween,.

Original poster
siwel123 · 23/09/2017 14:25

Thanks for the idea, wait4nothing.

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Wait4nothing · 23/09/2017 14:11

As a way in maybe try a part time job as a play worker in school holidays - I did this as a teen and there were a good mix of male and female workers. Fits around collage and introduces you to families in your area too. I also had a job in a youth club (though there are far fewer paid positions these days) and as a party host at a local party venue (bringing out food, introducing games and the like) might be worth a look. At uni I did drop flyers offering babysitting services but I had lots of experience by then and a few great references.

Original poster
siwel123 · 23/09/2017 13:44

Thanks for the kind words, yes I feel there is a lack of us in the childcare industry which is sad, loads of guys are good wih kids, but the stereotypes put us off.

Would it be wise to just work weekends and not weekdays? Or do parents want people to do weekdays as well?

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Josieannathe2nd · 23/09/2017 13:29

I would only get a babysitter through work of mouth. So you need to start asking around- friends younger siblings, family friends, neighbours and let them know. Then tell them to tell their friends! I've got three boys and would definitely be happy to use a male babysitter, but male or female only one I know or have been recommended.

SongforSal · 23/09/2017 13:28

A local lad to me does a lot of babysitting, he also works part-time at a nursery, so he has references (he's about 17-18). I've seen him in action, and he is fab with kids. So no, being male would not put me of hiring you. There's such a shortage of men in childcare, and it really is important to have more men in the industry.

Pastacube · 23/09/2017 13:27

i think lots would hire you, carry on! there are now male norland nannies!

I have worked with kid and they always love the males, keep at it.

NickMyLipple · 23/09/2017 13:22

I work for several agencies and none of them charge a fee from me as the nanny/babysitter. They all charge the parents a finders fee.

Original poster
siwel123 · 23/09/2017 13:21

Hey katescurios, I'm looking at it as a part time job, because i'm doing a levels at college and I see this as the perfect job. Any tips to getting a job.

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Katescurios · 23/09/2017 13:13

There are several male carers at my daughters nursery doing childcare apprenticeships and the kids gravitate to them. They are brilliant. Have you considered doing a qualifications or is this a part time job around school that you're looking for?

Original poster
siwel123 · 23/09/2017 13:09

Thanks for the kind messages all, yes it annoys me when people look at me weird when I say I babysit kids.
I do come with refrences from about 4 one off customers, but none are looking for a more permanent arrangement.

The thing with agencies is that they require a certain fee from me tht I don't like, what I was thinking was for me to set up my own business, and then allow other babysitters to be available, and the lient can pick them, and I just take 50p a time from them. But all our rates would be the same.

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lemonnade · 23/09/2017 12:07

I would have no issue whatsoever hiring a male childminder/nanny/babysitter providing (as with a female)!he had passed the necessary checks and had experience with being responsible for children before.

Some people are weird about men and kids though, it's very unfair and i don't agree with it.

NickMyLipple · 23/09/2017 11:51

Join an agency. Lots of parents like the security that an agency give.

Try to get some references/reviews too. As a parent I would like to know that you come highly recommended.

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