Parents need to take their time in order to find a reliable babysitter they can trust. Even if parents are new in town, there are ways they can choose someone appropriate to baby-sit for their child.
Seek a Reputable Nanny or Babysitter Service
The bonus here is that the babysitter service has already prescreened the childcare providers and they’re usually bonded and experienced. This doesn’t mean that parents shouldn’t still meet and interview the babysitters for the job. A babysitter or nanny service can also tailor fit a family with a better match ahead of time.
Interview and Ask the Babysitter Questions
Prepare questions before interviewing childcare providers. Ask about opinions on spanking, discipline, bedtimes, television and experience with specific age groups. Some people are better or have more experience with children who are younger or older. Ideally there will be several sitters to choose from, so that the parents can choose the childcare provider they feel safe with and/or makes them comfortable.
One family might want plenty of play for their child, while another wants a tutor/sitter combination. Asking about what sort of activities they plan do with the children will help show shared child rearing philosophies.
Consider a Background Check
Some might object, but this is one way to weed some of the sitters out. Obviously parents don’t want babysitters with a history of violence or child abuse, and it’s impossible to tell just by looking at someone.
Arrange a Supervised Meeting With the Childcare Provider and Children
Provide an opportunity for the sitter to interact with your children before making a decision. He or she should be enthusiastic with kids and be experienced and confident with them. Children often have good instincts and their comfort and happiness counts. Also, it won’t be such a shock compared to being left alone with a new stranger.
Network and Ask Friends and Family for References
Ask friends and family for babysitter suggestions. Find contacts on the playground or parent groups at community centers or churches. Even if a trusted friend recommended the babysitter, check references thoroughly. Just because one person had a wonderful experience doesn’t mean it will be the same with another family. Maybe this sitter allowed the children to watch television the whole time and that’s why they liked her.
Advertise for a Babysitter
This is an opportunity to explain what’s expected ahead of time. Consider advertising for a babysitter in the local paper, church bulletin board or penny saver. If a child has special needs and experience with that is required, mention that. This is effective for attracting babysitters looking for work but it may require sifting through more people. The more specific the requirements are, the less that will need to be weeded out later.
Ask About Courses and Certifications
If the potential babysitter is young, ask about babysitting courses like the one offered through the Red Cross. They not only teach how to care for children of various ages, but they require students to be certified in first aid.
If someone has a babysitting business in their home, find out the number of children and how much room they have. If their rates are reasonable, but they have too many kids, it’s not worth it because their safety is at risk and they won’t get enough attention. A price can’t be put on a child’s safety, so be careful and invest the time in finding a trustworthy babysitter.
More Articles on Parenting:
5 Fun Birthday Party Ideas for Teens
Dealing With and Disciplining Teenagers
How to Enforce a Child’s Bedtime Routine
How to Help Increase a Child's Self-Esteem
Lighting Their Fires by Rafe Esquith
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