Hiring Today's Babysitter

Hiring today's babysitter is a lot different than when you were a child. So much has changed, that not only do you have to be careful who you hire, you also need to make sure this person is capable of caring for your child in your absence.

It's not just bringing someone into your home and letting them go at it. You need to assure yourself that they mature and knowledgeable enough to do the job.

Babysitters are now asking for minimum wage, so they should at least know what to do in case of an emergency.

Assure yourself by making a list of questions to ask the candidates who want the job. Make sure you check their identification card, which can be from their high school or their driver's license.

If talking to their parents will make you more comfortable with hiring the babysitter, then make arrangements to meet them. You would also be advised to get at least two references from previous or present families this person has worked for.

Here are some of the questions that should be on your list. Just remember that all the answers won't be the same as what you would do, but if they are close... then you might have yourself a new babysitter.

1. How would they handle the situation of a child having a tantrum?

2. What would they do if there was an emergency with your child?

3. What would they do if your child got sick?

4. How would they discipline your child if needed?

Again, the answers don't have to be exactly as you would do, just close or logical as you see them.

Now, after you've hired your babysitter, it's your responsibility to give this person information they will need about your child, who to call in case of an emergency, and how to reach you.

1. Leave a phone number where you can be reached, or give them your cell phone number and an alternate phone number of a relative, in case they can't reach you.

2. Leave the phone number of your child's doctor.

3. Give the babysitter the name and phone number of the hospital where your child's doctor practice.

4. Let them know what your child is allowed to do, and what they are not allowed to do.

5. Give them your child's bedtime schedule, as well as their nightly routine.

6. Let them know what your child can and cannot eat. Some children have allergies, but will eat what they shouldn't anyway.

7. Explain your home's security system with the babysitter, and explain how important it is that they let no one inside the house. No boyfriends or girlfriends allowed. They will also need to know your security code just in case.

8. Set firm parameters on what the babysitter is allowed to do and not to do. If they can use the microwave, but no other cooking is allowed, let them know this.

Some parents feel comfortable leaving small security cameras hidden through out the house. If this works for you, then by all means do it.

If this seems a bit extreme for you, then rely solely on the babysitter to do as you instruct. It's important to build trust between you and your babysitter, after all you are entrusting your child or children's safety with her or him.

Hiring today's babysitter is the same as interviewing a potential employee, and once you establish trust with your babysitter you may want to hold on to them for as long as you can.