How to Find the Right Sitter for Your Family
Babysitters are hard to come by, especially good babysitters that the whole family enjoys and trusts. There are a lot of different things to consider and look for when interviewing a new babysitter. Finding the right babysitter takes a little more work and here are a few ways to help you in your search:
Word of mouth: The best way to find the right babysitter for your family is by word of mouth. Asking relatives, friends and neighbors if they recommend anyone will help you weed out any unfamiliar babysitters. The best part of hiring a babysitter from word of mouth is that you know they are obviously a serious candidate to consider if someone you know recommends them.
References: Before you hire your babysitter, ask for a list of references. This list should include current or previous families that the babysitter has worked for. Call the families on the list and ask them basic questions about the babysitters. Other families are willing to share information if the babysitter was good.
Enhance: You want to find a nanny that can bring something to the family table. This means you want a babysitter that will take the lead and enhance your family. Whether they have creative crafts or fun games to play, your babysitter should add to your families’ goals and beliefs. Babysitters are there to help guide your children when you cannot.
Comfortableness: An important key for the babysitter, parents and child is the amount comfortableness. You want to make sure that all parties involved are a 100% comfortable. This means that everyone feels confident and at ease in each other’s presence. To better help determine the amount of comfortableness you can have a ‘trail run’. Invite the potential babysitter over and have them interact with your child in a different room while you work on something else. Then spend some time with the babysitter discussing your needs and their background. Later ask the babysitter how they felt as well as your child.
Take your time and start asking friends and family if they have any good suggestions for a good babysitter. Find a babysitter that is comfortable with your child as well as helps enhance their life. Don’t be afraid to check references and ask the hard questions, after all, this person is watching your child while you are away. Good luck and happy sitter finding!
Author Bio
Heather Smith is an ex-nanny. Passionate about thought leadership and writing, Heather regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting blogs/websites. She also provides value to
become a nanny by giving advice on site design as well as the features and functionality to provide more and more value to nannies and families across the U.S. and Canada. She can be available at H.smith7295 [at] gmail.com.
