Finding a Babysitter

        Choosing a babysitter can be one of the most anxiety ridden jobs a new parent can face.  Many of us don’t have the luxury of an eager grandparent or keen family members to call upon and the thought of finding someone we trust is at times overwhelming.  Let’s face it, we all love our kids but we also need a much deserved and long overdue break from time to time.  A little time away can do a world of good for everyone so take some time (and a few deep breaths) and find yourself a little extra help.

        There is no trick to finding great babysitters. You have to do a little work but know there are people out there that will be perfect for your family. It takes times and patience but then again, you are looking for someone to watch over your most prized procession-your kids!

        Start your search by asking friends and neighbours if they use and recommend anyone. Beware though…a good babysitter is like striking gold so many times
parents are not willing to give up their claim on a good sitter. Agencies are helpful if you want more in the way of a nanny. They are costly as the agency does much of the leg work for you. Companies such as Lullaby League  provide a way for parents to meet a dozen baby sitters in an hour and have face to face interview time with each candidate.  On line job postings (such as Craigslist) can be helpful but beware. Anyone can post anything on those sites so make sure to get as much information you can about that person before setting up a meeting. Schools and community centres are also a great resource and you typically are able to post job opportunities on their in-house job boards.

        Getting as much information as possible about a person can prove to be critical. Background and Police checks are recommended and contacting at least two provided references should be mandatory.  

A few good questions to ask potential babysitters are:


Where do you live?

How old are you?
Where do you go to school?
What are you studying?
What kind of babysitting have you done?
How much do you charge?
What is your availability?
Can I phone your references?
Do you have a car?

        Remember you get what you pay for so now is not the time to go bargain hunting. Many of us are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest computer gadget or “must have” fashion item but suddenly are trying to broker a deal when looking for child care help. Know that babysitter rates are between $10-$15 per hour but having a great babysitter you can count on is priceless.

           

        Every parent has different requirements for a sitter. Some of us want the sitter to prepare meals while others might just want a babysitter to read to their child and/or play for a few hours. Determine what your own personal and family requirements are be clear when hiring a sitter. Babysitters have their own comfort levels as well.  Please be mindful and respectful when you expressing expectations. Don’t get into a situation where the sitter is doing something outside of their particular comfort zone (i.e. give a bath, do laundry, etc.).

        Feel free to invite potential babysitters over to meet the kids and see how it goes for an hour or so. You can even be home if you like, just monitor and see how things go. Many times it is our own anxiety that has been holding us back, but if we can see that the kids and the babysitter are fine and having fun, it makes it easier for us to leave and enjoy our precious and deserved time away.

Article by Amy Vanweldereen, Founder of Lullaby League