Finding A Babysitter: Steps to Follow

Finding a qualified babysitter to care for your child is a responsibility which most parents have to do as an important time in parenting. While the task may not be fun, the time and effort you put into it is well worth it. Knowing that your child is safe and well cared for while you are away will give you peace of mind.

Steps In Finding A Babysitter

1. Investigate all of your resources.
2. Ask relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers for the names of babysitters they can recommend.
3. Look on community bulletin boards in grocery stores, schools, laundromats for babysitting notices.
4. Check with local churches, synagogues or other places of worship. Sometimes they maintain a list of members who are interested in babysitting.
5. Read the Classified sections of your local newspaper under such headings as Child Care.
6. Put your own ad in the local paper, community bulletin or college job board. Tailor your ad to the specifics of your need: what hours, days and qualifications you are looking for.
   

Step To Interviewing Babysitters

1. Always interview the prospective babysitter.
2. Recommendations are helpful, but your own evaluation and judgment are the best guides in selecting a babysitter for your child.
3. Tell the baby sitter about your children and the needs and expectations for the job.
4. Share your general expectations (dependability, warmth, honesty, communicativeness, etc.).
5. Learn all you can about the babysitter.
6. Prior experience with children of your child's age.
7. References (take time to check them out).
8. Rates and transportation.
9. Feelings about discipline, safety, bedtime, mealtime and other situations that will arise.
10. Discuss your specific needs (days, hours, special child care responsibility, extra household duties, etc.).
    

At this time if you do not feel comfortable with the prospective babysitter, thank him/her for their time and walk them out. If you feel they are a candidate then introduce them to your children. Observe how they interact and how he/she treats your child. Is she/he warm and responsive? Sensitive to shyness? Ready to join your child in play and get down at your child's level?

The final selection of a babysitter will depend on your personal needs and preferences which will
determine who can provide the best care for your child. You will most likely be looking for someone who is mature, dependable, warm, flexible, creative, responsible, has a sense of humor, etc.

First Day Babysitting

Request that the babysitter arrive early (15-30minutes) to allow enough time to convey all of your instructions. This will also let your children become comfortable with the new babysitter while you are still present.

Give the babysitter a complete house tour, pointing out:

• All Exits and how to secure locks
• Pets
• Bathrooms
• Telephone
• Thermostat/Air Conditioner
• Children rooms
• Light Switches
• Fire Extinguisher
• Provide the babysitter with specific instructions. It is best to have them in writing so the babysitter is not confused.
  
• Meals/Snacks
• Family rules/routines
• Bath time
• Medications
• Bedtime
• Visitors allowed