“The most challenging part about letting a new person take care of your children is the uncertainty of their qualifications and references,” says Shivani Vora, in the article Nanny 911: Seeking Temp Sitters, The Wall Street Journal, dated March 26, 2009. How can parents answer the qualification question when hunting for the “perfect sitter”?
- As you already know, a good place to start the hunt is with your own group of friends. Ask other parents in your church who they have hired and would recommend. Mothers in moms’ groups are an especially good resource. Ask what criteria they have set and then set your own standards, such as a certain age or depth of experience.
- I found a list of several qualities for a good babysitter that you might want to consider: Have good health; Be dependable and responsible; Love little children: Be self-confident; Be mature; Show good manners; Be knowledgeable about children; Have a business-like attitude; Be adaptable; Be safety conscious.
- In addition to quizzing your friends, there are web sites that can give you suggestions for possible baby sitters. Here are a few listed at a site published by the University of Illinois extension office.
www.childcare-ppin.com/directory/index.htm
www.americannannyjobsearch.com
www.findcarenow.com (For a state by state search)
www.childcare-experts.org
www.nccanet.org (National Child Care Association)
www.rrnetwork.com
www.daycareland.com
www.child-care-now.com/
- As far as fees, I found that they varied greatly from one area to the next. Again, the references you get for sitters also can let you know what is a typical charge. Some sitters charge an hourly rate, some a flat rate. This may vary based on the number of children and degree of care needed (e.g., infant vs. a young child who is potty trained).
- Be certain to provide adequate information to your baby sitter. The sitter will need to know emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance, neighbors, etc.), how to reach you and the address and phone number of the home where they are watching the children. What time do you expect to return? Do you want the sitter to answer your home phone or answer the door in your absence?
- Finally, before you leave your home, give the sitter pertinent information about meals, medication, playtime, bedtime, bath time, and discipline.
(Thanks Kendra Smiley and her newsletter which gave credit to the following web site for so many great suggestions we could share.) http://urbanext.illinois.edu/babysitting/faq04.html
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