It can be nerve-wracking to find a babysitter for the very first time, especially for a first child. We’ve had some great sitters in our family, and others that weren’t so good. I came home one day in the middle to find a sitter asleep, while Hailey and Kaitlyn played. My friends, it’s all about trial and error.
In the six years I have been searching for, interviewing and hiring babysitters I have picked up some tips along the way. I hope they are useful to share. My best advice is:
- The second year of high school is the perfect age for a babysitter. They will likely have a good rate and will appreciate that you are getting tax-free money. You will also have three years to utilize their services.
- Fifth or sixth graders make wonderful mothers’ helpers. They are usually very good at playing with children and when they’re ready to be left alone, they know the house, your children, and your rules.
- You should have more than one person to call. We have three sitters we trust. If they’re in different life stages, it helps to have three people you know you can call.
- Do not wait until you are in need to begin searching. It’s stressful.
- It is best to find someone in your neighborhood. It’s not only convenient (no more traffic), but it also adds a layer of comfort to know that the sitter is in your neighborhood and you are all familiar with them. When I was babysitting, I would call my mother if I ever had a concern or question. Knowing that she could come to me if needed made me feel at ease.
- Direct and thorough. I have assumed that a sitter knows things they don’t. After I had told the sitter that bedtime was 7:00, we came home to find them playing in the back yard at 8:15. She claimed that the girls (, who were at the time ), told her they were not tired. I thought she’d know that kids would push boundaries. I was wrong. I now give very detailed directions.
- You are the employer. This was (and still is) really hard for me. This was (and sometimes still is!) really difficult for me. Being clear and direct does not make me feel bossy. Hire people that you feel comfortable and confident with.
- Interview and trial days are important. It may be tedious but the results are worth it. It is worth the time to interview a few babysitters, and then select your favorites for a 3-hour trial at home.