by Rachel Howells

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

When parents go out they want to feel secure knowing their children are safe and being cared for properly at home with the babysitter. Whether the person you leave your children with is a family member, friend, acquaintance, or the teenager down the street, there are several desirable qualities to look for in a potential babysitter.

Responsible

Most importantly, you want to know your children are in good hands with a responsible person who knows what to do in emergencies. When considering teenagers as possible babysitters, look for young people who have taken a babysitting course that includes basic first aid. Check references and ask potential candidates exactly how they would handle injuries, accidents, ingestion of toxic substances, choking and other diasters, such as a house fire. Choose people who are clear about what to do in these kinds of unexpected circumstances.

Reliable

You want someone who will show up on time and let you know in advance if she cannot make it. A decent babysitter can be relied on to follow any specific instructions you leave regarding house rules, medications, allergies, meals and bedtime routines. Also, give preference to a sitter who can be relied on to tidy up a little after the kids and meals.

Attentive

Responsible and reliable babysitters are also attentive babysitters. They listen to and watch the children in their care closely. They do not get easily sidetracked by talking on the phone, using the computer or watching television. People who seem disinterested in children are more likely to become engrossed in something other than your child. Disinterested babysitters may not notice if a child gets into something he shouldn't, starts crying because he is hurt, wanders from the house or has an allergic reaction.

Competent

In addition to being responsible, reliable and attentive, potential babysitters should also be competent. It is one thing to intellectually understand the directions you leave or what to do in emergencies, but it is another to be able to competently put this understanding into action. For example, you want someone who can differentiate between a serious injury and a minor one. You don't want your babysitter panicking and calling an ambulance for a superficial paper cut that barely even needs a Band-Aid. You also do not want your babysitter treating a fall and possible concussion with some Tylenol and an early bedtime.

As well, a babysitter should be able to deal with children without having to call

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