by Sue Langeder

Created on: June 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

As a mother and a teen babysitter (in another life), I know myself that finding dependable, capable people to look after your children can be hard. You eventually find the ultimate babysitter, one your children like to be around, but when you need them, they can't be there because it is their best friend's birthday, the money you are prepared to pay doesn't suit them or for some reason they don't really like your children so they avoid you best they can. If you're relying on family or friends to help, you don't want there to be any hidden agendas on their part, as that can be rather messy. Here are a few tips on how to look for the best qualities in people to babysit your children.

Babysitters should have a genuine love for being around children. They should be nurturing, not militant, playful, not evasive and be prepared to get down to your children's level. They should be friendly towards your children and be willing to participate in any activity that your children want to do, but be firm enough for them to get them to bed on time without a hitch.

Babysitters should have experience with children. Either they have younger brothers and sisters themselves or even younger cousins that they frequently visit. They could have worked in a child care facility or capacity, or possibly eager to earn a living as a teacher, social worker or children's psychologist. Any willing participant with their head put on straight should be a quality babysitter, as long as they understand your ground rules.

Babysitters should know how to determine when enough is enough and it's time for bed, time for dinner or whatever needs to be done. If your children enjoy your babysitter's company, they will respect that it's time to do what your babysitter wants them to do (and what you are paying them to do).

If you child or children have special needs - asthma, allergies or other needs, make sure that your babysitter has the capacity to handle them. Instruct them how to go about any treatment or medication and make sure they understand the procedures. After all, this is your child, and you want to make sure that they are in safe hands.

If it is important to you, choose a babysitter that has similar ideals to your family ideals. If you have strong religious beliefs, feel safe that your babysitter give you children time for prayer when your children go to bed at night.

Get recommendations. Ask around to see who has a babysitter that works well for them and if your friends or family are

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