Finding a BabysitterTop 5 Things to Consider
Finding a babysitter
to watch your children can be challenging. After all, you are entrusting to their care your most precious possessions, your babies. Sure there are plenty of junior high girls looking to make a few extra bucks, but are they the best choice for you? You want someone responsible, dependable, with a fun personality, and plenty of experience. Here are the top 5 things to consider when choosing a babysitter: 1.) Age of the sitter: While it is pretty easy to land an eager 11 or 12 year old, they probably are not the most responsible, nor do they have the experience you are most likely looking for. There really is no perfect age range, but you should aim for someone at least in high school, college age or older. Also, be sure to check with your local police department to find out what the laws are in your state, because each state has a minimum age requirement to babysit (typically 11+). 2.) Training: There are plenty of CPR training classes available to those looking to babysit. Make sure your sitter has had the proper training, just in case something awful were to happen while you are away.
3.) Experience: You would not hire someone to work for your company if they did not have prior experience in the field...so why would anyone consider hiring someone to watch their children without having previous childcare experience? Ask for references, and CALL them. 4.) Personality Someone can have great references and a clean criminal background check, but if they have no personality, your child is not going to want them to stay or ever come back. Finding a babysitter with a fun personality, who clicks with your child(ren). You want them to have as much fun while you are out as possible. That way both the babysitter and the child will be excited for next time. 5.) Background check: this is probably the most overlooked criteria by families when finding a babysitter. Doing a
criminal background check
ensures you are not handing your children over to someone who drinks and drives, does drugs, has a history of violence, etc. This is an absolute must in this day and age. You can never be too careful. The most important thing to remember when finding the perfect babysitter is that you should never be afraid to ask the person questions. Ask to see references, ask them to see their CPR certification, etc. Do not feel like you are overstepping by doing a criminal background check. You have the right to know who you are leaving your babies with.
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