Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Sitter?

Answer 1

Hiring a sitter remains an important and stressful decision for parents. Before hiring anyone to watch your precious children, ask potential sitters seven questions to determine their experience and qualifications.

Do you possess previous babysitting experience? Ask if the sitter has babysat by alone, with another sitter or under adult supervision. Determine the ages of the children whom they have watched and how many children they have watched at one time. Discover a potential sitter's childcare philosophy, if they will play with the children or employ television, if they can care for an infant and if they can prepare dinner.

Who are your babysitting references? Determine the sitter's skill, trustworthiness and work ethic by contacting other families for whom the sitter has worked. When possible, talk with the parents and the children. For teens in the beginning of their babysitting careers, contact school, civic or church leaders.

Are you First Aid and CPR certified? Local Red Cross agencies, schools and recreational centers offer infant and child safety training for sitters. Every sitter should possess current pediatric safety certifications for the age group of your children.

When are you available to babysit? Most sitters willingly watch children after school or on weekends, but extracurricular responsibilities may limit their babysitting availability. Ensure the availability of a qualified sitter matches your needs before hiring him or her.

How much do you charge? Prepare an offer in advance by discussing rates with neighbors or friends. Be willing to provide adequate remuneration based on the number of children, their ages, and the length of time the sitter will work. Negotiate a mutually agreeable price with the sitter before his or her first night of work.

Do you own reliable transportation? Discern the driving skill of a sitter who will transport your children. Ask for proof of vehicle insurance and details of any recent traffic citations.

Are you willing to perform light housekeeping duties or other responsibilities after the children go to bed? Parents often wish a sitter would wash the dinner dishes and pick up toys before relaxing after the children fall asleep. Ensure applicants understand and agree to any extra expectations.

These seven questions help parents determine the qualifications and expertise of potential sitters. Guarantee the reliability and skill of a sitter then confidently enjoy a relaxing night on the town.