When hiring a babysitter, it is important to make sure that your child is going to be okay in your absence. So what makes the top ten list?
1. Trust
Having a trust-worthy sitter includes many things. One of those things includes, honesty. Parents need a babysitter that will be honest with them about everything. No secrets or covering up anything bad that might’ve happened during their stay. Trust-worthiness includes being reliable. Parents need a babysitter that will be on time, respecting the Parent’s time. It’s also important to know that the babysitter isn’t going to be on their phone, when they should be changing the baby’s diaper. When choosing a babysitter, just make sure that this person will give your baby the one-on-one time that a baby or child requires. After all, that is what you’re paying them for! If Parents decide to go with an agency, most agencies run a background check. Parents should never just choose someone just because they have an open schedule. Choosing someone wisely, should always come first, when looking for the proper child caregiver. Make sure you know them well. If you are hiring a good friend or a friend’s child, just make sure there is no misunderstanding about the importance of your circle of trust.
2. CPR Certification
Whether a Parent is hiring a teenager or a family friend, maybe even a neighbor, Parents always need to make sure that they are CPR certified. Accidents can happen in a split second and like with any quality childcare center, everyone has to be CPR certified. So should anyone that will be alone with your child for any length of time.
3. Emergency Plan & Numbers
Parents should always leave a list of contacts for any babysitter. It should be reviewed periodically, just to make sure the numbers for the parent and Babysitter are current and up to date. There should also be an emergency plan in place. It should be acted out at least once, as a practice run, before beginning services.
4. Consider Their Age
Many parents will look to the younger sitters ranging from 12-19 because they are available and don’t charge too much per hour. It’s a win/win situation for both sitter and parent. With age, Parents should consider responsibilities. A Parent should not really entrust or expect a young sitter to bathe a baby/kids. Again, this goes back to having CPR certification in case of a freak accident (with a baby). Some Parents need their children taken to extracurricular activities, so although a teenager is legally able to drive, it might be something a Parent is not ready for, yet. If a Parent has an older, more experienced sitter, transporting children and bathing might make a Parent more at ease. Take time to consider that more experience in the workplace, usually gains a higher salary. It should be the same with any Babysitter that has more experience – it equals higher pay. So bigger responsibilities should always influence how a Parent chooses the age of a Babysitter.
5. Have an In-Person Interview
Talk is cheap and anything in writing or by word of mouth can sound good, but put them to the test! Invite the potential Babysitter over to your home and have an interview. As they’re interviewing, get your baby or child out and see how they interact. Do they get on the floor and begin playing with your Baby? Do they greet your children in a courteous manner? By watching their body language and behavior, you will get a more better idea of what to expect. If you have young children six and older, set up the interview and make the Babysitter believe it is you that is interviewing, but once they’ve gone, ask your kids what they thought. Children are so keen on picking up signals and they will know who they feel comfortable with, right away! You will too!
6. Set Up a List
When it comes to expectations, Babysitters should have it in writing, in case they suffer from short term memory loss. Write a detailed list of all the house rules for your children. Then, make a list of all the expectations and responsibilities you have for the Babysitter. Things included should be whether or not they are free to eat your food, use your computer, be on their phone, clean up after the kids, use your dishes, are they allowed to discipline (if so, how?) etc. Make up your own “do’s” for the Babysitter and make sure to go over it together, by having the Babysitter arrive at least 15 minutes earlier, before you are expected to leave.
7. Medications & Allergies
Make sure to let any Babysitter know any allergies your child might have. If there is the need for an epi pen, make sure they know how to use it. If your child needs medication, do you feel comfortable with them administering it? Just make sure to show them the exact dosage, first.
8. Ask For References
Anyone applying for caring for your children, should have plenty of experience to go with it. That being said, their references should all be very positive. Once you can establish that you have a good candidate, set up for an interview.
9. Always Have a Back-up Plan
Not only should Parents find one good Babysitter, but two! Everyone is prone to sickness, a change in schedule and other things that come up. The last thing a Parent needs is a good Babysitter that is unavailable when they need them the most. Having a back-up Babysitter will ensure that Parents always have someone to care for their child.
10. When All Else Fails
Sometimes, choosing the right person for your family can be a challenge that can leave Parents with no one, in the end. If you are facing a similar situation, go with a professional agency. They will always perform a full background check. Agencies will always provide a sitter. They might cost a little more, but the guarantee and feeling of knowing that your little one is in good hands is worth every penny.
