Domestic Help

A domestic help would be required if you happen to have a number of children from the younger age group, especially infants and toddlers, coming at the same time.

However, if you plan to start small then a domestic help would only put a dent in your profits.

Start Small and Similar

Begin by babysitting your neighbours, friends or relatives kids on an ad hoc basis like looking after the kids when they go to run errands for a while. If you feel comfortable enough to handle the kids then spread the word among your friends.

As far as possible try to have children of the same age group rather than from a diverse background. This will help to ease out your work and patterns of dealing with the kids.

Money Matters

"If you don't offer any additional service apart from looking after the child for the time period, you can expect to charge anywhere between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000," informs Shanta.

To get a better bargain, try offering a complete package of care, food, and hobby classes; this can raise the charges to Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 per child per month. So with a bare minimum of three to four children you can expect a monthly turnover in the range of Rs. 10000 to Rs. 12000.

Points of Contention

Before starting out make sure to clarify the following points with the parents so as to avoid any future contentions.

• Specify how much and how often will you be paid. That is will it be hourly, monthly, or weekly. If during an emergency or late timing, will it be considered that in the final pay?
  
• When are the off days?
  
• Discuss specific issues such as who supplies the food, toys and books, any specific food items, medicines are required, what is the dosage, if the child will need specific help. If any special equipment is required for example strollers, diapers it should be supplied by the parent.
  
• Parenting techniques. Often discords can arise out of this issue. Since young ones tend to pick up behaviour from the surroundings, make sure you get it clear with the parents as to how you plan to take care of the child. If there is any specific time table that a child follows, make sure that you are notified about it in advance.

If you plan to make a strong business out of it then make an effort to keep the parent's in the loop and network with them. This will ensure that your services make an impression on the right people who will then recommend your services to their friends and family.

Remember, providing child care is no child's play and there are many factors to consider before you make that decision.