Times have certainly changed and the problems we face now were never considered problems during our parents' time. Take for example the need for babysitters. Because of the 'extended family' which was the norm several decades ago, our parents simply asked our grandparents to watch us while they went out for a movie.
These days, it has become increasingly difficult to find and select a babysitter for our children. Many are underqualified and yet command an unreasonable rate. Oftentimes, when we have really important functions to attend, we end up having to travel to a relative's house to leave the baby there overnight.
Double-income couples, especially, are often forced to look in the classified ads and cold-call babysitters whom they hardly know. One can find babysitter listings three ways: Through the yellow pages or the phonebook, on the Internet, or through bulletin boards at the community church or town hall.
The best source is of course those who have been recommended by friends and family members. If they have done satisfactory work for those you know, chances are they’ll be up to par.
To prevent situations when you are hard-pressed to find a babysitter at the last minute, hire one for a trial when you’re just around the house, observing from a distance. Even if the babysitter is aware that you’re there and may be on her best behavior, you will still be able to see how she handles the babies.
Babysitters are people whom we trust our children's lives to. It is therefore only proper that we take extra care in selecting these people. If you must hire a total stranger, spend the time to interview him or her, request for character references, and ask theoretical questions on safety and child discipline.
There have been many sad and horrible stories about babysitters who have been abusive of their wards, and this is not to be taken lightly. If you’re hiring a minor, don’t assign tasks that you’d find difficult doing yourself.
For instance, there are parents who leave up to three children – sometimes all below school age – with a teenage babysitter. This can be extremely difficult especially when the kids are all awake and restless at the same time.
Check their backgrounds and compensate them well if they are highly qualified. You can even find babysitters who have knowledge in First Aid and CPR, and this is definitely advantage. Other babysitters are college students who may even be able to tutor your school-age kids.
If you have the money to spare, you can even have a closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed in a strategic part of the house to monitor the goings-on while you’re away. If this isn’t feasible, ask a neighbor to drop in unexpectedly to check on things, but be sure to inform your babysitter that only this particular person is allowed to enter the house while you’re away.
It won't hurt to also get the babysitter's address and pay a visit to his or her family if you have the chance. After all, it's your child who is involved, and it's worth all the effort to be discriminating in your choice of a babysitter.
