Tips on how to hire a babysitter
Who to entrust your child’s wellbeing to when you need someone to look after your child is a difficult choice. Finding friends of family and family itself is usually the option most parents choose. However this is not possible for all parents. Here are some good tips for hiring a babysitter.
- Check their resume. Look for someone with a checkable background who has experience in dealing with children. If they don’t have a resume or references then unless they have done this line of work before then don’t hire them. They might not realise what they are letting themselves in for and realise too late they have bitten off more than they can chew. Babysitting is not as easy as some believe!
- Follow up checking their references and make sure they are genuine. E-mail or phone to confirm the details given.
- Conduct an interview - ask relevant questions that you feel are important to you and the care of your child.
- Make sure you make clear rules and that they understand them. Let them know if it is acceptable to use the phone, the computer and also whether they are allowed to have someone else with them.
- Look for someone with experience – this will give them a checkable background. They may cost more but what price is the safety of your child?
- Look for someone by ‘word of mouth’ this means getting a babysitter that has been recommended by someone whose judgement you can trust.
- Make sure you leave the babysitter contact details. A mobile phone number is a must – make sure you let them know that you will not be upset if they contact you. Also leave the name of the place you are going to be and another contact number just in case you do not hear your mobile phone.
- Ensure that all emergency contact details are left in a suitable location. This includes the name of your GP and any other family contact details that you deem necessary.
