It’s often a dilemma whether to hire a teenager or an adult to babysit your children. Sometimes, you don’t have any choice in the matter because only one is available at the moment. But when you do have the choice, you must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Advantages of a Teenage Babysitter
- Because she isn’t yet very far removed from childhood, she may still have that natural playfulness and be able to entertain your kids without too much effort.
- Younger people are just gifted with a lot of energy, certainly more than adult babysitters. Children can be restless to the point of being rowdy. A teenager is better able to keep up with them than somebody older.
- Teenagers are young and still impressionable. They may not have accumulated bad-habits. A first-timer may struggle to make the best impression she possibly could and will go the extra mile.
- They usually charge a lower rate. Obviously, teens are still students and mostly inexperienced. They seldom demand a high payment.
Advantages of an Adult Babysitter
- An adult is more mature and responsible. She will probably be better equipped to handle emergencies the proper way.
- Because adults project authority and know how to enforce discipline, your child will pay more attention and obey them than a teenager. Children are aware that an adult means business and will not walk all over them.
- They may have had training in first aid or babysitting. This makes them sort of professionals at this field, and you can feel safe about leaving your children in their care.
- An adult will take the task seriously and possibly even prepare a detailed report for you at the end of the visit. They tend to be more communicative than teenagers in general, and because of their experience in dealing with kids, may be able to point out some things about your children that you weren’t even aware of, or strategies in dealing with them.
At the end of the day, it is your call whether to hire a teenager or an adult babysitter. All people are still unique individuals and may not necessarily fit into a specific type. The key is personal evaluation of your applicants.
By: Rashel Dan
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