Quiz: What Kind of Sitter Are You?

Babysitting is such a great way for young entrepreneurs to get a business started: The hours can be part-time, and often are on weekends and evenings, which is great for teens already juggling school and other activities. Plus, working with kids can be pretty fun.

But do you have what it takes to get the job done?

Find out with this quiz from Halley Bondy’s new book Don’t Sit on the Baby: The Ultimate Guide to Sane, Skilled and Safe Babysitting, which includes advice for starting your business, real-life stories from teen babysitters and more!

 

1. Your energy level is:

A. Way too high, I’m told.
B. I’ve got a few good hours in me.
C. Can I get a Red Bull before answering that?

2. Your niceness level is:

A. Off the charts.
B. I’m nice, especially to kids.
C. I’m sort of nice, until someone annoys me.

3. Your cleaning habits are:

A. Persnickety. I can’t stand messes.
B. Moderate. I clean what I must.
C. What? I don’t even notice messes.

4. You are certified in:

A. CPR, First Aid, and/or Red Cross babysitting classes.
B. Nothing, but I have a basic knowledge of CRP, the Heimlich maneuver, and First Aid
C. R&R. Is there a certificate for that?

5. Drool and snot are:

A. Fun!
B. Part of life.
C. Totally gross.

6. Cooking is:

A. My specialty!
B. I can use a microwave.
C. Boring. Takeout for me, thanks.

7. Your teaching skills are:

A. Masterful. I can turn any kid into a prodigy.
B. Average. I can teach a subject or two.
C. Nil. I hate explaining things.

8. If you had to pick games to play with a kid, they would be:

A. Dolls, house, and hide-and-seek.
B. Video games or board games.
C. The quiet game.

9. When an emergency strikes, you:

A. Call 911, use my emergency training if applicable, then call the parents.
B. Call 911, then the parents.
C. Panic, yell, and hope the whole thing blows over.

10. When you get angry, you:

A. Take a few deep breaths and try to approach the problem calmly.
B. Swallow it, smile, and scream when I am in private.
C. Yell until I get my way.

Find out what kind of babysitter you are (or aren’t):

If you answered mostly As: Are you serious? Nobody likes diapers and drool! Are you some kind of babysitting android? Your energy level, patience, and over childcare smarts make you a natural fit for kids of all ages. With you shining personality and résumé, you’ll definitely land a few jobs. However, your passion can be a little overwhelming for some kids and parents. Try to relax sometimes and allow yourself to make mistakes. You’re only human!

Mostly Bs: What you lack in professional cred, you make up for in open-mindedness, versatility, common sense, and a can-do attitude. You’re eager, capable, and probably ready to hit the job hunt, but it might be better to practice on older kids or family members first. They’re (usually) lower maintenance.

Mostly Cs: You may want to consider a retail job. Kids drive you nuts and taking care of them is the last thing you want to spend your free time doing. But hey — that’s OK. Babysitting is not for everyone.

Excerpted with permission from the new book, Don’t Sit on the Baby: The Ultimate Guide to Sane, Skilled, and Safe Babysitting by Halley Bondy. Copyright © 2012 Zest Books LLC, San Francisco, CA. Learn more at www.zestbooks.net/dont-sit-on-the-baby/

What results did you get? Be sure to tell us your own ideas for running a great babysitting business!