The official definition of the verb babysit, according to Oxford, is “to look after a child or children while the parents are out.” The better definition is “to get paid to watch TV and eat other people’s food while someone’s kid sleeps.” Both definitions are legitimate and true but one just seems to sound better than the other, doesn’t it?
Finding a babysitter who is worthy of our children’s affections and meets our parenting standards is often a difficult process to undergo. Some families use grandparents or other extended family members as proxy babysitters, which is usually a safe option for childcare. Not everyone has the opportunity to have help from their families, though. For those of us who are required to find our own babysitters, the task is an arduous one.
Obviously, there are some requirements that everyone has of their chosen sitter. While some parents find it necessary to interview, background check, and ensure that their sitter is fully-trained in every possible safety course other parents are fine with a breathing, semi-responsible sort-of adult to watch their kids. To each their own.
Listen, I am all about getting my child the best possible babysitter. But sometimes, there are some things that you just need to let go in selecting the right one. I have been on both sides of the babysitting gig – as a sitter and as a hiring parent – and there are a few key things to look for when finding a caregiver. Let’s review the matters we need to “Let It Go” and the ones that are “Good To Know.”
| Let It Go | Good To Know | |
| | Babysitter’s age, gender, race, or cultural background If the person is able to complete the tasks, keep your children happy and safe, and doesn’t have terrible hygiene, you need not to worry about any of their demographics. | |
| Know what the average rates for babysitters are in your area {data on annual babysitter rates for the top metro areas} Paying your babysitter the right amount is crucial if you want to use their services again. You also don’t want to be taken advantage of by a greedy teenager or grannie.Make sure you know what the typical rates are for your area and tip if the sitter does an exceptional job. | | |
| | Make sure the babysitter is willing to clean the house, feed the kids, and entertain them the entire time. If your kids are young enough that they require a babysitter, forget about the “other stuff” getting done. You are paying a babysitter to watch your babies, that’s it! If they do more, great – but don’t expect it. | |
| Know what skills or experience the babysitter has such as First Aid/CPR, emergency training, pool/outdoor safety, cooking safety, etc. I never realized the value in this when I was babysitting but as a parent and teacher, I certainly have had a change of heart. Having some safety training, especially CPR/First Aid, can be lifesaving if your child ever needed it. It may not be a make or break item, but it’s always good to know. | | |
| | The babysitter is highly recommended. Some of the best sitters are the new sitters. Or sometimes they are other parents who don’t necessarily watch other children often. Not to mention, sometimes recommendations are fabricated. | |
The babysitter enjoys being around children, even when not on the job. Uh, duh… | | |
| | The babysitter uses his/her phone or tablet while they are watching your children. Unless you are never on your electronic device while you are around your children, LET IT GO! If your child tells you later that the sitter ignored them the whole time because he/she was on their phone, then you can address it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry about it too much – especially if it’s just an occasional sitting. | |
| The babysitter can make decisions as a parent would, especially in dangerous situations. When I was a kid, I loved my babysitter who let us do all kinds of fun things. My mom and dad loved her because she was able to make decisions like my parents would and they appreciated that maturity and responsibility. You’ll have to dig a bit or go by trial and error on this one, but once you know how they can respond to different situations, you’ll feel much more at ease. | |
