A Parent’s Guide To Choosing The Right Babysitter
While parents love the chance to spend some quality time together devoid of kid interruptions, actually leaving them and entrusting them in the care of someone else can be incredibly difficult.
Because of the love a parent has for his or her child, it is challenging to be away from them for even a couple of hours without worrying about their well being. When it comes to choosing a babysitter, there are crucial things to consider in order to find the right babysitter for your family:
Network
Chances are, you know someone who has a well-trusted babysitter to care for their children. Use your resources to narrow down the selection to a few who seem responsible, good with children, and have high recommendations from your friends.
Interview
Call potential babysitters on the phone, or set up a coffee meeting with them in order to get to know them. Ask questions in order to see what their natural response in any situation would be. Ask:
How much experience have you had?
What would you do in an emergency situation?
How do interact with children?
Are you comfortable helping my child with particular needs (if applicable)?
Explain The Rules
When it comes to finding a good fit, it is important the sitter feels just as comfortable. Explain to them basic rules like setting the ADT home security alarm. Tell them what you expect from them in terms of devoting attention to your child or children and that
friends are not allowed over. Give them an overview of your child or children’s behaviors and their typical routine.
Meet And Greet
If you feel the sitter is a good fit, invite them over to meet your children. This will provide a comfortable environment for your child to get used to listening and interacting with someone new. This is particularly important for children who have separation anxiety and feel nervous when their parents are gone. Meeting a new authority figure in a stable situation can ease their discomfort.
Don’t Forget About Boys
Often babysitters are thought of as girls; however, boys can be a great influence when babysitting, particularly when dealing with boys. Active boys sometimes respond better to an older, mature boy as a sitter, for they look up to him.
Talk With Your Children
Prepare them for a time when you and your spouse might leave for a date night. Talk with them about responsibility, listening to a babysitter, and how they can reach you when you are gone.
Be Prepared
Have a sheet of emergency contact numbers, a time schedule, and any other necessary things like medicine written down so the sitter knows exactly what to do and who to contact. Let the sitter know where you keep extra batteries, flashlights, first aid, and
where to find the children’s pajamas. If the children are older, discuss the homework schedule and what should be accomplished before playtime.
Spending the time to find a babysitter that fits your family will make leaving your children for a night a little easier.
