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Finding a qualified babysitter is not just a job for single parents, but for coupled parents as well. With so much media hype on babysitters causing Shaking Baby Syndrom, molestations, and abuse, it can be quite a scary task for any parent.

I have done home baby sitting, and I have had my children baby sat by people outside of my family.

These are the questions that I ask myself or the sitter, when doing an interview.

Do they have references? Get the names and numbers of at least three references (more if you want them) Be sure to contact these families and listen to their experiences.

Ask if you can come to observe the baby sitter interacting with the children. Are they being talked to appropriately? Does the sitter seem caring, nurturing?

What is the cost of daycare? The hours? Are meals included in the price?

What is the age range of children that the babysitter watches? How many children does she have at a time? Is she a qualified babysitter, through a government agency, or with an accredited college? Is he/she a mother?

What types of activities will the children be involved in while under the care of this person? Are they age appropriate? How much time is spent outside? Is the yard fenced in? How much time is spent watching t.v or playing video games?

Is the house safe? Are the appropriate measures taken for the ages of your children? (Baby gates for children under 2, receptacle covers, etc)

Do you feel comfortable with this person? This is what I find to be the most important question. If you have even the slightest thought that something is off, than this isn't the babysitter for you.

Learn more about this author, Catherine Graham.
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