4 steps to finding the perfect babysitter

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Finding the right babysitter can be hard! But as one local babysitter tells us, it’s always worth it!

Enjoy this fantastic read from guest poster, Emily Fredericks, a writer, editor and babysitter-extraordinaire who’s  sharing her thoughtful ideas on how to find the perfect person to watch your little ones. {Read more about Emily at the end of this post!}

how to find the perfect babysitter.pngThrough high school, college, and beyond, I have had the privilege of babysitting for a good portion of the greater Arcadia area.  I have been around the block a time or two; literally- usually pushing a stroller.  I have probably fed, burped, or changed at least one of your children or one of your friend’s children.

I realize how valuable it is to have someone who knows your childrens’ personalities, knows what makes them “tick”, and understands and respects how your family disciplines and operates. You may be sending them out for an afternoon at the zoo, swimming in the pool, or leaving them to play “Mom” for an entire weekend so you can attend that out-of-town wedding and sleep in past 6AM. (Just kidding. We all know you’re probably still going to wake up at 6AM wondering if your children slept in later just because you are out of town.) 

Leaving someone behind with your “littles” can be stressful and unsettling.

I know, because I read the pages of notes you leave behind of play-by-play instructions to ensure Jack doesn’t have peanuts, Sam uses the potty every hour, and Ally has three stuffed animals for bed, two binkies, bedroom door cracked a little, but not too much, sound machine on, fan on, humidifier on, two kisses, one hug—you catch my drift!

I’ve learned over the years that there is a big difference between finding someone to come over to feed your kids dinner, stick them in bed, and sit on the couch and watch old re-runs of Full House until you get home, and finding that person, YOUR person, whom you trust whole-heartedly to take care of your babies on any given day.

So, how DO you know that those little, innocent people you are leaving behind are going to get the best care while you’re away? Let me tell you how to go about finding the perfect babysitter.

1. Find a sitter with SEVERAL references.

It is easy to call your friend down the street in a last minute panic to get the number of their sitter, or to call the high school girl next door because she’s close and convenient—but close and convenient does not mean she’s the best childcare for YOUR family. (And if she is, then more power to ya!) Most of you see the importance in researching the best schools, the healthiest recipes, and the safest cleaning products for your family; your babysitter should be of the same importance. Take the time to call around, background check, lie detector test, whatever you need to do—no, don’t go that far. But trust your gut. This individual will most likely impact your child’s life depending on how often you allow them into your home.

2. Have the potential babysitter come over for a “meet and greet” before a real night of babysitting.

Feel free to make it a lengthy visit, as it may take a few minutes for all parties to get acquainted. They say to not judge a book by its cover, but let’s be real, first impressions can make or break a relationship. Is she dressed appropriately for the job? Was she punctual? Is she able to communicate with the kids and relate to them? Does she comfortably get down on the floor and willingly engage? Does she show excitement and fascination with whatever it is that your kids are interested in? These are all qualities that can be seen within that first hour of meeting and qualities that your kids will eat up—and hopefully ask for more!

3. It is crucial that your sitter be CPR certified.

I know, you’re laughing because you yourself are not certified. But, you’re the mom—so it’s okay. It is only going to ease your mind that much more if you know that your caretaker is capable of the Heimlich since Johnny’s newest trick is cramming as many fistfuls of pasta, peas, and grapes (cut up of course) into his mouth in record time. If the potential candidate is not certified, offering to schedule and pay for the certification is not a bad idea.

4. A babysitter must be competent, confident, and capable.

It is important to find an individual that can comfortably adhere to the rules of your home; someone who can keep the routine or create a parent approved version for nights when they are in charge. If her values match up to those of your family, your kids will benefit from such consistency. She also must be confident when it comes to feeding, bathing, giving medicine if necessary, disciplining, and comforting. These points sound obvious, but I have had one too many conversations with moms who have nightmare stories of past babysitters and nincompoop behaviors. She also must have a good grasp on life. Request to be her friend on Facebook and do a little snooping. Ask her about her friends, her family, and her hobbies—chances are, she will enjoy sharing these tidbits and will feel more comfortable as a result.

I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of so many little lives in my several years of “nannyhood.” 

The families have become my extended family, and the kids hold a place in my heart that is indescribable. That being said, I do know that not every family needs to have a babysitter who they consider part of the family, or who holds such a significant role in their childrens’ lives—but kids are shaped and molded only by what they see and from who they learn. 

So, if you are in the market for someone to take care of your kids, take the extra time to find someone that meshes with your lifestyle. In the end, it WILL be worth it. I’ve learned from several moms that being able to leave home feeling confident that everyone and everything will be taken care of is a freedom like no other—a freedom that you deserve!  

 

picmonkey_imageEmily is a go-getter with a positive attitude, an experienced nanny for over a decade, and a freelance copyeditor and writer.  Emily graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development and is in the final term to complete her Copyediting Certificate from the University of California San Diego.  She is passionate about living and loving life—from babies and family care, health and fitness, traveling and church, to cowgirl boots and sandy beaches.