Qualifications of The Sterling Babysitter

Hiring a babysitter can be a stressful time; after all, you’re entrusting them with your most precious possessions—your children.

However, if you know what to look for, you can hire a responsible teen babysitter who you can trust with your children. The following are some things you should look for when hiring a teen babysitter.

Does your babysitter come recommended?
One of the best ways to find a babysitter is to ask friends, relatives, co-workers, or neighbors for recommendations. A babysitter who comes to you with a list of happy clientele is a good starting point. If you didn’t find your sitter through a referral, make sure you ask for references, and then check them. Ask what they did and didn’t like about her.

Is the babysitter comfortable with all of your children?
Before you hire her, observe your potential sitter with your kids and make sure she is comfortable and at ease around them. A baby sitter may be great with your preschoolers, but be completely nervous or ill at–ease with an infant. Find someone who is comfortable with all age groups, or at least the age groups of your kids. Have her interact with your kids. Does she get down on their level and talk and play with them, or is she nervous or stand-offish? Does she shower attention on the baby but ignore the older kids? These are all things to take into consideration.

Does the babysitter know CPR and basic first aid?
You may not think you need a teen who knows CPR if she’s only going to be spending an hour or two with your kids, but a lot can happen in a couple of hours and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure your sitter knows what to do if your child is choking, how to handle scrapes and cuts, and how to perform CPR.

Is the babysitter experienced?
It’s a good idea to look for a babysitter who has experience caring for younger children, whether it be her own younger siblings or other families’ children. Sitters who are experienced have a better idea of what to expect.

Is the babysitter responsible?
Responsibility is a crucial trait when it comes to babysitting. Make sure your babysitter is responsible. Is she on time, or does she at least call if she’s running late? Is she comfortable assuming responsibility with the kids, or does she just look on while they fight or tease each other?

Does the babysitter seem enthusiastic about caring for your child?
Make sure you interview your sitter before you hire her. Look to see if she is enthusiastic about caring for the kids, asks questions, and interacts with the kids while you’re there. If your sitter looks bored, doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t play with or talk to the kids when you’re there, or has a cell phone that is ringing off the hook while you’re talking to her, chances are she will be indifferent or inattentive with your children as well.

Hiring a responsible, competent babysitter is vital when it comes to looking for someone to care for your child. By taking the time to get referrals, screen potential babysitters, and watch them interact with your children, you can know whether or not to hire her and have peace of mind knowing your children are in the care of a responsible teen.