Hi everyone,

I have recently started babysitting for a family and they have recommended me to other families in their area, obviously I work 2 jobs already as well as studying at college on Tuesday evenings, so I may not be able to cover all families. I had an idea to invite my friend to start a little business so she could help out with some families if I'm not available. We decided that a good thing to do was to start up a contract for families to sign, only thing is we're not entirely sure what we would need to include in the contact, does anyone have any ideas? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Why a contract?

I have friends who recently have had instances where families have refused to pay and things like that, just to keep ourselves rights and make the family aware of terms and conditions

Why on earth would a family refuse to pay?

Based on my experience from babysitting years ago, a contract would be very off-putting -- unless the babysitting is for a prolonged period of time, involves the sitter having other household responsibilities, and especially when the sitter lives with the family. And if that's the case, the FAMILY would have the sitter sign a contract.

If a family doesn't pay, don't sit for them again.

You have insurance? Bonded? Be very careful of a contract, they are binding on both parties. With child care it is not a "DIY" contract.
https://www.reference.com/business-finance/babysitting-contract-written-d6f53e7f5018856

There are a lot of sayings about contracts being worth the paper they are printed on, but sure, write a SIMPLE one if you want.
It doesn't mean that you won't have to go to Small Claims court, after paying about $75 to file, and even if you win, there's no one to force the loser to pay.

What happened? You got there and they decided they didn't need you after all? They said they'd pay you 'next time' and there was no next time?
I trust that you didn't do anything wrong.

Babysitters are usually a valuable commodity. Anyone in business, no matter how small a business, who is smart, will be clear and professional about all of it.
There is NOTHING impolite about demanding payment when it is expected.