A friendly neighbourhood aunty who offers hot, home-cooked food and the familiarity to your child is priceless on the day both parents need a break from babycare.

That is exactly why flexi-time home scale child care is blooming business despite the burgeoning day care centres.

So if you love children and are looking out for ways to earn some cash with a part time business then skimming this trend is a great option.

Here's how!

"Babysitting is not so lucrative as a part time job, especially in a metro where parents work beyond 9 to 5 and are looking for a full time option for their child," explains Mr. Manoj Raul, owner of Blossoms Day Care Centre and Nursery, Mumbai.

However, if you plan to start it without any prior expertise of handling children on a large scale then starting part time is the best bet.

55-year-old Mumbai based home maker Shanta Sanap, who also runs a full time babysitting service offers some advice on starting part time.

Getting Started

• The first thing to make sure is that you have atleast a basic knowledge and idea of handling very young children. Better still; make sure you know which age group of children you are comfortable with. For example if you haven't handled infants, it is better to avoid babysitting infants.
  
• If you stay in a flat, make sure you have atleast a spare convertible bedroom for the kids so as to avoid hampering your daily family life.
  
• A small investment on toys and books to keep the kids occupied. Again make sure you know the age group you are targeting and buy toys that will be of interest to them. "In most cases you can ask the parents to bring along things that will keep their child occupied. In fact if you have the time, then to build a bond and trust with the kids try to invent games and play along," points out Shanta Sanap.
  
• Also decide if you plan to cook and give the added service of providing food to the kids. "Again since you won't be initially accustomed to the child's needs and wants, invest in some basic snack items that usually kids of a particular age group like. As for proper food, ask the parent to supply or get it clarified from them what the child's preferences are," says Shanta.

Services Offered

Apart from looking after the child in her parent's absence you will have to delieanate what other services you plan to offer to make it more alluring for the parent.

For instance, if you plan to baby sit nursery kids, you can either give additional service of providing food and snacks, and also ad hoc services like teaching them certain hobbies to keep them occupied like drawing or music lessons, tuitions for specific subjects etc.

Remember, the idea of parents sending to a home based baby sitter over a day care centre is more due to the personalised attention that you can spare on their kids along with providing them a homely environment.