Finding a good babysitter seems to be one of life’s biggest challenges as a parent. It’s like finding cute comfortable shoes. You know they exist, but they’re not easy to find! Not that I’m asking for much…someone who lives nearby, drives, knows CPR, doesn’t empty out my fridge and doesn’t charge an arm and a leg!?!
And if you do find a good one, let’s face it we’re at their mercy. I’ve found our family needs to have several babysitting options. Those that are good for weekends aren’t always great for week nights or daytime needs. So, what should we look for in a good babysitter and how do we find them?
Word of Mouth
As with anything, the best place to start is to get a personal recomendation. Ask friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers etc. if they know of a good babysitter. Sometimes other parents are a bit hesitant to share their babysitters. Finding a babysitter is a bit like dating. Will they like me, will I like them? What if they like the other family better? And, just because the babysitter comes recommended doesn’t mean that they will be a good match for your family.
Places You Already Trust
Several of my friends have found their babysitters through their child’s daycare. They’ve already been vetted and your kids already know them. Churches and gyms that provide child care are other great places to find babysitters. People providing care at these places probably have had a background check, some training and have experience working with kids. And again, your kids already know them.
Local Colleges
Do you remember searching through job postings looking for some cash in college? We have several colleges here in Central Iowa and if you live near one, they can be a great place to find a babysitter. I’ve found that college kids can be less busy and more flexible than high-school kids and they can drive! It may be that they just go out later, but hey whatever works. You can “hit the jackpot” with an education major that is really good with kids.
Childcare Agencies
There are several web-sites and agencies that provide baby-sitter profiles that you review and then pick from. Again, a bit like a dating site. They may have recommendations and feedback that is also provided. I have not used a childcare agency, personally. There have been a few instances, when all of my usual babysitters were not available, and I did research using one. The agencies make recommendations for babysitters, as well as nannies. However, they were not a last minute option. There is an interview process you will need to go through.
Babysitting Co-ops
Basically, a bunch of parents get together and agree to take turns watching each other’s kids. Many local moms’ clubs or other parenting groups have a babysitting co-op. Most babysitting co-ops work off a point system. You earn points watching another family’s tykes, then redeem them on your sanity-saving date night. There are quite a few local co-ops and you can find them on www.sittingaround.com.
Getting to Know You
Once you’ve found a potential sitter you will need to interview them. Preferably before leaving the kids with them. Some questions to ask: If they were not recommended, do they have recommendations? Do they have any kind of training? When are they available? What is their experience? Can they drive or have transportation? What do they charge? If at all possible, we have the kids meet the new babysitter before we leave them in their care. It’s good to see how everybody interacts and make sure everyone is comfortable.
Adventures in Babysitting
Make sure everybody knows the ground rules. No looking for Thor! When my son was a baby, I found this great tablet titled “Babysitter Notes”. It reminds me to write down the kids’ routines: bed time; bath, or not; TV time, if it’s allowed; snacks etc. It also has a place for me to write down emergency numbers, our cell numbers, doctor office locations and a trusted neighbor’s address and phone number. And, don’t forget to get the babysitter’s cell number, so you can call and check in.
Driving Miss Daisy
Depending on the age of your babysitter, you may need to provide transportation. When we hire a younger female sitter, my husband is not comfortable driving them home. Especially, if it’s late. So, I know I am on taxi duty. Please remember, not only are you trusting the babysitter with your kids, but the babysitter is a kid too. His or her parents are trusting you to get their child home safely.
Show Me the Money
It’s never easy figuring out what to pay the babysitter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, “Whatever you think”. As with any job, pay considerations are based on: experience, location, workload – do they need to make dinner or give baths, and number of kids. We have two kids and typically pay the following: Middle-schooler that stays for a couple of hours, $5/hour; High-School kid with no transportation that sits in the evening, $7.50/hour; College student who drives and has quite a bit of experience, $10/hour. I could see paying $12+/hour for an experienced sitter caring for three or more kids in Des Moines.
Do you have a babysitter? How did you find her/him?
