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Looking for a babysitter to watch over your precious little one is no easy task. There are a lot of things that you should consider when hiring a babysitter.
In fact, most parents think that it’s easy to find a babysitter until such time as you are really about to hire one. That’s when panic usually grips parents as they realize that there are certain factors that really come into play when hiring a babysitter.
Do I hire a teenager who does this part-time? Should I hire an experienced person? Where can I find someone experienced and trusted? How do I get a background check on the sitter? These are just some common issues that parents usually have when faced with the reality of hiring a sitter.
The Safety Of Your Kids
S-A-F-E-T-Y! This is your topmost priority when hiring a babysitter. And this is what you should really be concerned about. Are your kids in good hands? Are they safe with their babysitter?
The best way to find a sitter is usually via word-of-mouth recommendations from family and friends. As with any referrals coming from someone you know, there is an element of trust that simply gives us peace of mind. There is nothing like hiring someone who has been proven to be trusted by people you know.
You also might like to consider online childcare services. Web-based babysitter services such as UrbanSitter provide background checks. You can learn more about the babysitter by running a background check on her.
It really is a good way for you to get to know the babysitter. You just can’t rely on the information she’ll share with you during the interview. If you are concerned about the safety of your kids, you’re better off running a background check. Or you can install a battery-operated baby monitor to keep an eye on your baby.
Know The Babysitter’s Credibility And Expertise
As a parent, you’re always concerned about the babysitter’s credibility and expertise. Is she good enough for your kids? Does she have enough experience to care for your kids? You just have an endless list of questions in your head.
If hiring a teenager next door is not an option for you, then you should look for someone more experienced. If your word-of-mouth referral is not experienced enough, you might have a better chance of finding one online. Finding experienced babysitters online via trusted babysitter services is but normal these days. It is way safer than posting online classified ads.
Parents these days prefer experienced babysitters. You may want one who knows what to do in times of emergency. In case of an accident, you want a babysitter who knows First Aid.
It is really important that your babysitter has enough experience and credibility to deal with such dreaded situations. And that’s why hiring the teenager next door isn’t an option for you. You need a babysitter who can deal with all kinds of situations. Only an experienced babysitter can do that.
You will find a lot of babysitters who have undergone some kind of life-saving training on online sitter sites. Just look over their resumes and check their certifications.
Open Communication Line
The communication line is another thing you should keep in mind. How can you keep the communication line open while you’re away? As a parent, you want to keep it open as much as possible. You want the babysitter to have access to you soon as you’re out of the door. You want the babysitter to have enough common sense to reach you anytime and anywhere.
You can never emphasize it enough to the babysitter. Make it a point to let your sitter know that she can really call you anytime in case of emergencies or questions. You always want an open communication line even under normal situations.
Manage Last Minute Changes
As it is always the case, something might change at the last minute regarding your schedule. What if you can’t make it home on time? What if she has to extend her hours? You certainly wouldn’t want her to just leave your kids.
The best way to deal with this kind of situation is by being upfront. Take some time out to talk to her to set expectations. It’s important that you do so.
Finding a babysitter that you can trust your kids and family with is really not an easy task. However, if you know your key requirements and expectations of a babysitter, hiring one would not be such a tough task after all.
About The Author:
Karen Jenkins is a loving mother who dedicates a lot of her time to nurturing her little girl. A big fan of gardening, you will find her tending to her garden whenever she has some free time to spare.
