A lot of first-time parents hire a babysitter or two along the way. Whether it’s for date night or an evening out with friends, there are so many benefits to hiring a responsible person to watch your little one. But how do you know if the person you hire is responsible?
Here are some tips to help you out!
Ask for references.
References don’t always tell the whole story, but they can give you an indication that this person is responsible. Be sure to call both their previous employer and their references. If the person only has one reference, find someone else to call.
Have them fill out an application.
An application will allow you to see what type of information they will be including on their resume (if they choose to send one). You can also ask them why they’re applying for the job, what interests them about it and what they feel makes them qualified.
Ask if they have any babysitting experience.
This isn’t always necessary, but if you’re concerned because it’s their first time babysitting then it can’t hurt. You can also ask how long they’ve been babysitting and what ages they’ve cared for before.
Does the potential babysitter know your child (and vice versa)?
A sitter who knows your child or is familiar with him/her will be more comfortable watching him/her. They will be more familiar with your child’s likes, dislikes and how he/she interacts with others.
How far in advance should you book the babysitter?
Booking in advance is always preferable to asking at the last minute. You don’t want to leave your sitter hanging while you run around at the last minute trying to find things for them to do while you’re away.
What should I charge for babysitting?
The going rate for babysitting varies from place to place. You may want to ask your parents what they usually pay for regular babysitters in order to get an idea of how much you should charge. If you’re not comfortable or allowed to ask your own parents, then try asking one of your close friends’ parents instead
