Finding a babysitter you trust and the kids love can be a challenge. Find out where to find a qualified babysitter, as well as how to keep a sitter happily employed.
1. Ask for Recommendations
Whether you're looking for a teenage babysitter or a regular in-home caregiver, begin by asking your friends, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations.2. Community Organizations
Call your local library, YMCA, and community education facility to find out whether they offer babysitting classes. If they do, they might be able to give you a list of local babysitters.3. Colleges and Universities
Also consider contacting your local community college or nearby universities. Their early education departments may have job boards where you can post your request.5. Schedule Interviews
Schedule interviews with each potential candidate. If possible, make arrangements to conduct the interviews in your home so that the candidates can meet and interact with your children.Prepare a list of questions for the interview. There are five main categories you'll want to cover during the interview: previous experience, rules,
emergencies, play time, and compensation.
7. Review Your Expectations on the First Day
Once you've selected a babysitter, ask him or her to arrive early on the first day so that you can go over your rules and expectations.8. Put Yourself in the Sitter's Shoes
Also think about how you can make your babysitter's experience in your home a pleasant one. You might consider keeping a few special snacks around and reminding your children that the house rules remain in effect when you are not home.9. Arrive Home on Time
Try to be home when you said you would. Your sitter may have other plans, or may simply need a break by the time you arrive home.10. Be Respectful
Finally, always treat your children's babysitter with respect. Stick to the hourly rate you agreed upon during the interview, and occasionally ask the sitter how things are going. Take the time to express how much you appreciate what he or she does for your family. Your kind words could mean more than you know!
