by Sarah Staples

Created on: January 24, 2009

Entrusting the care and wellbeing of your child to another person can be difficult. Unless that person is a close family member whom you know well and trust implicitly, you will undoubtedly spend a considerable amount of time deciding who to employ as a babysitter. When you leave your child with a babysitter you need to feel confident that your little one will receive the same standard of care and love that they would if you were at home with them. You need to know that they will be safe.

You may receive personal recommendations from close friends or family, or otherwise may have to rely on other sources such as adverts or agencies. When considering employing someone not previously known to you it is vital to conduct an interview and take references. Even if you are considering hiring a local teenager who you have watched grow up, it is still advisable to conduct an interview; to establish a professional relationship, to set boundaries and to discuss expectations.

The formality of a babysitting interview will depend on whether the interviewee is previously known to you. A chat over coffee may be all that is required for the teenager who lives next door, whereas a more formal interview will be more appropriate for someone you have never met before.

A babysitting interview should ideally be performed in person rather than over the telephone. Being comfortable in the company of the babysitter, picking up on body language and non verbal cues, and ideally seeing the potential babysitter interact with your child are all vital parts of the interview. If you do conduct initial interviews over the telephone, be sure to follow these up with meetings in person.

Have a prepared list of important questions you want to ask your potential babysitter. Taylor the questions you ask to your individual personal circumstances, but be sure to cover important topics such as first aid knowledge, discipline and coping with difficult situations.

Be sure to allow plenty of time for the potential babysitter to ask you questions. A successful babysitting arrangement is one where all parties; parent, child and babysitter, are happy. A potential babysitter who is keen to find out about your child's likes and dislikes, special habits and fears is showing a genuine interest in the wellbeing of your child.

Involve your child when choosing a babysitter, but be aware that they may have different motivators to you. If you child thinks they will be able to stay up late or eat more ice-cream with a particular person then they will surely favour them! Watching your child interact with potential babysitters will however provide you with much valuable information.

When you have made your choice of babysitter, be sure to take and check references. Furthermore, organise a trial run to make sure you, your child and your babysitter are happy with arrangements.

In conclusion, entrusting the care of your child to another requires you to trust, and like, that person. Conducting babysitting interviews is a vital step in hiring the perfect babysitter. Having a prepared list of questions, allowing time for your potential babysitter to ask you questions, and organising a trial run will ensure you make the right decision for you and your child.

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