My credentials
I'm happy to provide written documentation of my qualifications and credentials:
- 1 year experience working with children
- 6 years experience working with pets
- I'm comfortable with pets
- General credentials:
- 43 years old
- Drivers license
- I have a car
- Non-smoker/vaper
- Permanent resident
- Covid vaccinated
- Languages I can speak: English
- Email verified
Hello!
My name is Kristen, and I am looking for some part-time work as a babysitter. An ideal situation would be for me to spend time with your kids while you enjoy an evening out or special event, and then we could take it from there. If I seem to be a good match for your children, hopefully you would add me to your list of go-to sitters to be called upon as needed.
While I would like to become your family’s designated nanny who can work regular weekly hours, my schedule would not allow it. I am an aspiring writer who is currently trying to build an income through freelance opportunities, but I also have a part-time job with an irregular schedule. I will likely have 3-4 days per week available for babysitting and should know my availability one month in advance.
As for my experience, I have one year of recent paid work with children and have helped to raise my nephew for the past twelve years (especially from the age of 1 through 8). I spent six months working for Build-A-Bear Workshop and then another six months as a childcare attendant for the Kids Klub program at LA Fitness.
Although I did not work with children, I have more than ten years’ experience as a fitness trainer and five years’ experience as a teacher’s aide and tutor for ESL and GED coursework. Although my work in education may have been voluntary, it was sponsored by the College of DuPage and gave me the training to help with homework for grades 1st through 9th. I also have a college degree in business administration, which means that math and writing are some of my best subjects.
I am currently certified in CPR and have been for the past twenty-two years. I am a licensed driver with my own car and have more than twenty-five years of driving experience. I have an SUV that is safe, clean and in great shape, and I would be willing to do some light driving with your children if car and booster seats were available.
My other skills include dog walking, pet sitting, plant watering, general cleaning and food/meal preparation. Although I am inexperienced (and prefer not to cook) on the stovetop, I do just fine with an oven, microwave and toaster. From making sandwiches to pouring drinks, I am ready to prepare basic meals and snacks. One of my best qualities, however, is my diligence as a cleaner (with my specialty being dishes).
As a former personal trainer, I am physically fit and in great shape. While I do the usual cardio and weightlifting, I also love ballet and often do workouts at the barre for exercise. I have a lot of energy (as was required by my jobs for Build-A-Bear and LA Fitness) and would be a fun, active playmate for your children.
In addition, I have a couple different creative hobbies and talents. I am musically inclined and began playing the piano at age 8. Although I do not play nearly as often as I used to, I understand music theory, can sight-read and would be happy to help your children practice or play along with them. One of my special talents is composing music and writing songs and lyrics. If your children are so inclined, perhaps we could try writing a song or poem together!
I also love stuffed animals and puppets (as would be expected of any adult working at Build-A-Bear), and I enjoy making up stories about them. As a child, I loved Barbie, My Little Pony and American Girl, so it is all the same to me. I have a fun imagination and am skilled at creative play and helping children to have fun with their toys.
One of my own favorite toys is a life-size, realistic-looking dog puppet. Her name is “Fluffy”, and she looks exactly like a Welsh Terrier. She is one of my favorite inspirations as a writer, and I have created an entire character around her. I dabbled in acting when I was younger, so now I am working on my puppetry skills with her. We take selfie pictures and videos, and she has a bag full of accessories, toys and stuffie friends.
If your children like dogs, I would be happy to bring her along for visits. She is great for homework help, entertainment and general “cheering up”. I refer to her as my “story time sidekick” because she adds a lot of fun to book reading and storytelling. I love reading books to children, and it was one of my favorite things to do with my nephew.
As you can see, I love kids and am excited to add childcare back to my work life. As a babysitter, I would describe myself as a responsible “big kid”. I will keep a watchful eye on your children and make sure that the rules are followed, but I am also someone who they would have a great time with. I will have just as much fun with your children’s toys and games as they do and would be a great play partner if they need one.
Just how old is this big kid? I am actually in my early 40s but have been told that I look younger and have a fun, youthful spirit. Because I am not a mother, I tend to view myself as the aunt or older sister/cousin type. I would never try to take over the role of parent or guardian and attempt to discipline your children. It is a privilege (not a right) to spend time with children who are not your own, and that is the approach I would take to babysitting.
From my experience as a health club childcare attendant, I have had the opportunity to babysit boys and girls from age 3 months to 12 years and in different size groups. I enjoyed working with both genders equally but have found that I do prefer watching children over the age of 1 ½. I do not have much experience with infant and baby care and found that the most difficult aspect of watching the young ones was my inability to communicate with them. Unless you have a relationship with the child, it is difficult to know what they want if they are not speaking yet.
My forte is working with children aged 2 and up. While the toddlers and kids tend to have the most fun with me, I would be happy to keep an eye on your tweens as well. Because of my nephew, I have some experience with one that age. My approach is to give them some space and a little independence but still try to relate to them and get them to take a break from video games.
During my time at the gym, I worked with as few as one child and as many as ten. Although I was able to stay in control and keep an eye on everyone with those larger numbers, I prefer working with smaller groups of children. I would rather not work with more than four children at one time because safety is my number one priority. I am a person who believes in quality over quantity, and that relates to babysitting, as well.
Based on my recent experience and skills, I would require a minimum of $15 per hour to work with one child. I would request $16.50 per hour for two children, $18 for three and $20 for four. For groups of five or more children, I would like an additional $3 per hour per child. While I may not have any references from babysitting (as I was discouraged to use any from my time at the gym), I do have some professional and personal contacts available upon request.
Please let me know your needs, and hopefully we can work something out. Hope to meet you soon!
My skills and interests:
- Music
- Dance
- Comedy
- Reading/storytelling
- Fitness
- Swimming
- Writing
