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 you every 15 minutes for advice. You want someone who is kind to your kids, but you also want someone who has at least a modicum of authority over them. If the person does not have any control, you are liable to come home to a living room of children with unbrushed teeth, still in their cloths and passed out in front of a blaring TV after a late dinner of ice-cream and Hostess Ding Dongs.
Rapport
The person you entrust your kids with should demonstrate a certain degree of authority, but they also need to be able to establish a good rapport with them. Look for people who appear to genuinely like and have an interest in children. Watch to see if the person you are considering comes down to your child's level, smiles when addressing him, and can keep his attention with eye contact and child-friendly banter.
Observing whether or not your child responds positively to a potential babysitter is a great way to gage that person's sincerity. Children are naturally attracted to people who show an interest in them and treat them well. When kids like their babysitters it is obvious. They will talk a lot about a favorite babysitter and get excited when they are told she is coming over to look babysit.
Fun and Energetic
The best babysitters, in addition to the above qualities, are fun and energetic. They are willing to play games and laugh with the kids. They will take the children outside and them read stories. Fun sitters also have a knack for making everyday routines, such as bath and mealtimes, feel like a thrilling, new adventure.
By picking a babysitter with the right qualities, it will keep both your mind at ease and your child's mind happily preoccupied while you are out. Your children will look forward to spending time with a well-liked babysitter and everyone involved will be happy with the whole babysitting experience.