Finding the right babysitter is essential to your child's safety and comfort, as well as your own peace of mind. The phone book lists pages and pages of babysitting agencies, but you will have the most success finding long-term help by seeking a sitter with qualities and skills that complement your family dynamic. Whether you're hiring a teenager or an adult, it is important to find someone who interacts well with your family and inspires your confidence when you have to leave the children at home.
Step 1
Make a list of the minimum requirements the sitter must have and whether you are hiring for a one-time job or a long-term arrangement. As Parenting magazine's website points out, it makes sense to hire someone with experience caring for children in your child's age group. You should also consider any details that would help you to narrow down the search, such as household pets that could irritate the sitter's allergies.
Step 2
Offer a babysitting opportunity to teenagers in the neighborhood. Many teenagers would appreciate the additional spending money, and hiring someone underage is one way to cut costs if finances are a concern. Approach teens that you are familiar with or who have a good reputation in the neighborhood and at school. Ask potential hires if they have experience caring for younger siblings or other children.
Step 3
Ask for babysitter recommendations from people you trust, such as relatives, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, the BabyCenter website suggests. Other parents are likely to share the same concerns that you have about your children's safety. Ask specific questions about the reliability of the sitter, her punctuality, whether or not she follows the parents' directions, and how well she handles unexpected situations.
Step 4
Post a local advertisement for a sitter. Start by posting in familiar settings, such as your church or community center, where you are less likely to attract unwelcome strangers. Include clear contact information, along with the details of the position and the payment amount. If you're unsuccessful finding a sitter, post your advertisement where more people will come across it, such as a college notice board, in a local newspaper, or an online agency.
Step 5
Interview your preliminary list of sitters over the phone, and then invite the best candidates to your home for a one-on-one session. Ask for references and don't hesitate to check them. This is also a good opportunity to further discuss compensation. According to Parenting magazine, $10 an hour is an acceptable rate for most teen sitters, while $12 or more is appropriate for older babysitters or teens with years of experience.
Step 6
Contact the sitter you felt most comfortable with and set up a babysitting "audition." Let the sitter care for your child while you are at home. Stay nearby, but give the sitter enough space to take control of the situation and become acquainted with your child. Observe how well the sitter interacts with your child and look out for any signs that she may not be a great fit, such as a bad temper or disinterest. By the end of the "audition" you should have a sense of how trustworthy the sitter is and her ability to care for your children during your absence.
