Whilst a lot of people ask more questions when hiring a plumber than a babysitter, you cannot forget that a babysitter will be looking after your most precious loved ones. Generally, most babysitters are found by referral, word of mouth, or through neighbors and, even though it is reassuring to know a babysitter’s family or mutual acquaintances, this alone does not make someone suitable for the job.

When you hear of a potential babysitter or are considering hiring a service to find you one, the first thing to do is schedule an interview. The first interview should preferably be without your children present. You will be too focused on your children and their interaction with the sitter to stay on track with the interview. After you have selected a sitter, you can then have the new babysitter spend time with your family before scheduling the first babysitting date. This is a great way to introduce your babysitter to your children and observe how the babysitter interacts with your children. Try not to leave your child with someone they have not met.

When hiring a babysitter or interviewing a babysitting service here are some important tips and questions:

- Have you had any specific training for babysitting?
- Do you have CPR certification?
- What previous experience do you have?
- What were the ages of children have you babysat?
- Do you have their parents’ names and contact information?
- What do you like about babysitting?
- Have you had any problems while babysitting?
- How do you enforce any rules?
- Have you ever had to handle an emergency?
- What do you like to do while the children are sleeping?
- What would you do if a child was choking?
- What would you do in the case of a fire?
- What activities do you enjoy with children?
- How are your grades?

Ask the babysitter how much pay is expected and if any transportation to or from your home will be required. Get the babysitter’s emergency numbers, home address, and full name.

Let the babysitter know if you expect them to do anything besides supervising your children. If you want toys put away, dishes rinsed, and food put away, tell them. Be specific about your expectations. As your primary concern is your children’s safety, do not give the babysitter too many other responsibilities.

Let the babysitter know if your child must be in view at all times.

Make sure that your babysitter knows your house rules and emergency information. Make sure the babysitter has had a complete tour of your home and knows the exits in each room. Inform the babysitter of any areas in your home that are off limits for the children or the babysitter. Instruct the sitter of any potential dangers such as where any medications or poisons are stored. Include the number for the poison control with emergency numbers. For accidental poisoning keep ipecac syrup on hand.

If you have pets give any specific instructions required. If you have a pet that is in any way dangerous, lock the pet in a cage or remove the pet from the home while the babysitter is present.

Let the babysitter know you are expecting no one and not to answer the door under any circumstances.

Whenever possible, provide the babysitter with your cell phone number or a number where you will be and your approximate time of return. Make sure you have other emergency numbers available but remind her to call 911 in any critical emergency. Besides emergencies, cell phone use or Internet browsing should not be allowed while the children are awake.

After your night out, get feedback from your children. Nowadays many people have security cameras and can view what went on while they were out. When the job is well done let the babysitter know you are happy and be sure to tip.

It is helpful to think ahead and have babysitters ready to go in case you have an unexpected event to attend. You never know when one babysitter may be busy or needs to cancel.

Always remember to perform background checks and then trust your instincts; they are your strongest qualifier when it comes to your children.



By: Greg Dennely

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