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Finding a baby sitter to look after your child for a few hours is somewhat different to finding a nanny that is likely to become a large element of your child’s life.
The best way to locate a good babysitter is by asking friends who they use or by looking at youngsters in your locality and approaching people you feel would be suitable. Consider setting up an arrangement with other parents in the area where babysitting is 'swapped'. This reduces costs, allows your child to enjoy other children's companies and you can feel assured that the caretaker is experienced as they are a fellow parent!
Choosing a nanny may take a little more work. The best way is to contact an approved agency. They will ask for your requirements and job description. Be brutally honest at this stage. It is the best way of ensuring that you find the right person the first time.
The agency should then send you a list of possibilities. Read this information carefully; follow up the references of likely candidates. Interview all prospective candidates.
Having chosen a short list of possible nannies or babysitters, arrange interviews. When interviewing, have a checklist, consider things such as experience, first aid training and any habits such as smoking. Discuss payment and transportation if required (and not already cleared through the agency in the case of nannies). Watch the caretaker interact with your child, leave the room and allow them to play alone but listen in occasionally to see how they deal with discipline and how they re-direct play when required.
In the case of an adolescent babysitter, ensure that his / her parents are around to help if there were an emergency. Contact the parents if you require further reassurance.
Once you have decided to hire a nanny, draw up a contract, agree to terms such as hours per week expected to work (and when), duties that will be included, provisions for illness / emergencies and holiday leave (any restrictions on when). Any benefits such as live-in, meals provided, use of car, should be clearly noted so as to avoid confusion. Ensure that the nanny is happy with these terms before both parties sign. Some agencies may provide standard contracts -
discuss your requirements with them to ensure that everything is covered.
Stick to the terms of your contract. Make the nanny feel welcome and reassure them that they can approach you with any problems.
With a babysitter they are likely to spend a lot less time in your home and will therefore be unfamiliar to your routines. Show the babysitter around the house, show them where the phone is located, show them the TV and how it works. From a safety point of view show them where the first aid kit is and how to lock the doors.
If your child has a specific problem such as asthma, run through with the sitter the symptoms and necessary treatment, have the medication to hand for them.
If there is an expected problem, such as you know that your child is likely to cry for a given period after you leave tell them in advance so that they do not worry unduly.
Give the sitter some idea of what your child is likely to want to do and what they are not allowed to do. Tell them the household routine such as bedtimes etc.
Always leave your contact telephone number and that of a trusted friend / neighbor for emergencies. Call the babysitter at least once to make sure all is OK.
Put food and drink out for the babysitter and tell them that it is for them. Tell them what time you will be back and stick to it.
Mainly remember with any career, full time nanny or casual babysitter, they can only fulfill your wishes if you make them clear.
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