AND THE BEST BABYSITTER AWARD GOES TO... YOU!

Or, it's about to. Right after you read our guide to getting crowned the literal queen of tot taming.

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No matter how easy Kristy, Stacey, Mary Anne and Claudia make it look, babysitting isn't a job for the faint of heart. Between pre-bedtime meltdowns and mystery Goldfish crumbs in your hair, the chaos is real. Still, it's a pretty great way to bond with kids—and earn some extra cash while you're at it.

Ready to land (and absolutely crush) your first gig? Here's how.

PERFECT PREP

You've been helping your parents with your younger siblings for years, so starting your babysitting biz should be a breeze...right? Not so fast. Babysitting is a real responsibility, so proper preparation is key.

GET CERTIFIED. Show parents you're ready for anything—from a loose tooth to a real emergency—by taking a CPR and first aid course through your local community center. Cement your pro status by taking a babysitting class, too (the American Red Cross offers one online at redcross.org).

BRAG A BIT. Before reaching out to potential clients, gather a few character references. Ask your favorite teacher, youth group leader or cross-country coach to write a short paragraph about why you'd make a great sitter. Then, create a reference sheet with their quotes, names and contact info. Having trusted adults vouch for you sets you apart from the competition and proves you're the girl for the job.

TRY A TEST RUN. If you're not 100% about babysitting on your own just yet, try starting out as a parent's helper. You'll do everything a regular sitter does, but with an adult nearby in case you start to feel overwhelmed. Bonus: It's a great way to build experience—and possibly score a future client or reference.

SAVVY SEARCHING

Now it's time to find your first customer. The key to tracking down your dream opportunity? Being proactive and persistent.