How to Be Sure You’ve Picked the Right Babysitter
Finding the best possible babysitter for your child is so important. When you are placing your child’s protection into the hands of someone other than yourself or a close family member or friend, it’s hard to know who to trust. You want to be sure your child is being well taken care of by someone you know you can rely on. Here are some tips to ensure the person taking care of your child is the right one.
Get References
It is imperative to make sure your potential babysitter has gone through a background check. Ask around. Get references from friends and neighbors. Look into any criminal history if possible. The more you can learn about the person, the more secure you will feel. Any potential sitter trying to hide her past may have something fishy going on. If you don’t know anyone who can recommend a great sitter, check out websites like Care.com where sitters are vetted and highly reliable.
Arrange a Meeting with Your Child
Once you’ve found a possible babysitter that you think may suit your family, have her meet your child. See how she acts with your child. Is she patient, kind, and knowledgeable? Does your child have chemistry with her? Just because a babysitter looks good on paper doesn’t necessarily mean she’s the right match for your child. Yes, it may take a little time to warm up, but if you feel like the fit isn’t right, you may need to keep looking.
Go With Your Gut
As a parent, you know what’s best for your child. Even if a sitter came highly recommended by your best friend, if you feel like something is off, follow your instincts. Also keep in tune with how your child reacts when the sitter is coming or after she leaves. Your child’s well-being is the most important thing – not worrying about the feelings of the sitter. There are many wonderful babysitters in every area and eventually you will find the best match for your family.
How did you know you picked the best babysitter or caregiver? What helped you make the decision? For more information like this, please visit All My Children.
By: Melissa A. Kay
