Questions to ask when looking for and evaluating a babysitter

This is an automatically translated article.

Finding the right babysitter can be a stressful and exhausting process that troubles many families, as it is not possible to find the right person, nor do you know there are factors and criteria to consider. Which to evaluate. To easily find the right babysitter, use the questions in the article that are compiled below.

1. Essential questions for finding a babysitter

1.1. Experience and training Look for an experienced nanny. Ask to see her resume and let her know that you're asking for a background check before hiring her. During the interview, ask:
How long have you been a nanny? How old were the other children you cared for? Do you have formal training in early childhood development? Are you willing to take classes to advance your education in childcare? Do you have emergency training in CPR and first aid? If not, would you be willing to take classes in CPR and first aid? What will you do if my child is sick? 1.2. Philosophy and Approach Make sure your nanny's philosophy about parenting aligns with yours. Ask each candidate why she is a nanny and what she likes best about the job. It is helpful and reassuring to know why she chose to work in this field and that she enjoys children. (Also, be sure to let her know if you have pets and make sure she's comfortable with them.)
For babysitters:
Why do you babysit? What do you like most about your job? What do you find most difficult about being a nanny? Why are you looking for a new position? Describe your ideal family/employer.

For children
What is your parenting philosophy? What do the kids seem to like most about you? How do you discipline your children? Can you give me an example of a previous disciplinary problem and how you handled it. How do you comfort children? How do you deal with separation anxiety? What are some rules you've followed in other households that you think work well? Which rules don't work for you? Do you have trouble following our family strategies for disciplining and comforting your child if they are different from you? Daily routine:
Can you give me an example of how you would spend a typical day with my child? What would you like to do with a kid my age? If I was working from home, what would you do to keep my child happily busy without involving me? Logistics and salary When it comes to practical and financial matters, find out if the nanny you are considering might be a good fit by asking these questions:
Are you looking for a nanny? direct arrangement? If not, where do you live and how will you go to work? Will you bring your own food or expect meals to be provided? Do you have a working car with proper seat belts and car seat space? Is your car insurance current? Have you ever had an accident? Do you smoke? Are you willing to do light chores while our baby is sleeping? Do you have any personal responsibilities or health problems that might interfere with your regular work schedule? When can you start working? Are you ever free to work in the evenings or weekends? Are you willing to travel with our family for weekend or holiday? When do you expect to have a vacation of your own? Salary
The fee a nanny charges varies widely, depending on where you live and the number of hours she works. To get an idea of ​​rising rates in your area, do some online research and talk to other moms with nannies, then ask each candidate about her salary.
Referrals
Ask each candidate a list of past and current references, and ask specific questions when you call them. For example, instead of asking if they like the nanny, ask her what she did well and where she needs improvement. Contact at least two references, though the more the better.

2. Interaction and Observation

Give each candidate a chance to spend some time with your child in your home. Does she seem attentive? How does your child interact with her? Your observations matter a lot when you finally make your choice. It might help if you take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:
Does she feel comfortable hugging or talking to your baby? Is she comfortable? How did your child respond to her? Can the two of you communicate easily and effectively? While away from your child, do you feel comfortable knowing your child is with her?

3. Steps to take to evaluate a babysitter

The key to finding the right nanny for your child? Be ready to keep looking until you find the one that best fits your family. You'll need to be patient and resourceful, and consult with everyone from friends and family to nanny agencies to find viable candidates. Here are the steps to take to find the nanny you want:
3.1. Step One: Define Your Priorities First, decide what you want. Talk to your partner about what your ideal nanny would be like. Do you want someone older, mature and experienced? Is a certified preschool nanny your first choice?
How much independence do you want your nanny to have in the care of your child? Do you want a caregiver who is solely responsible for feeding, bathing and transportation? Or do you want a nanny who will be more of a parenting friend?
Make a list that you can refer to when you start interviewing candidates or talking to nanny agencies.
3.2. Step two: Do ​​your research Have friends and family let their contacts know you're looking for help, personal references can be the most reassuring way. Place announcements in school newsletters and post on your local parenting bulletin board or online chat group.
Find out if there is a nanny training program in your area, then call the staff for a referral. In many communities, nanny and babysitting training programs are run by community centers, charities, and other organizations that may not be easily found online. You should also ask friends and neighbors or call your local community recreation organization.
You can also contact a private nanny placement agency. These companies screen candidates before agreeing to represent them and can help you find candidates who meet your criteria.
They verify the nanny's work experience and should check for any driving violations or criminal convictions. Some also require nannies to have a physical exam that includes blood tests and certain illnesses such as tuberculosis .

With this method you will have to pay a hefty fee for this service, but you will save time. However, you can try websites that recommend online nanny services. This way is less expensive.
As a last resort, advertise online or in classifieds. But you may find that having feedback from strangers can be overwhelming. If you go this route, be very specific about what you're looking for and list anything that could disqualify an applicant. Then, place an outgoing message on your voicemail asking potential candidates for their name and reference number. That way, you can pre-screen your candidates and decide who you want to interview.
3.3. Step Three: Interview Talk to as many candidates as possible. Ask specific questions about your work experience and parenting philosophy, as well as your personal interests, after-hours activities, driving record, and background.
It can be very rewarding to include your child when you meet interviewees so you can see how well the nanny and child get along. Listen to your senses. If you feel uncomfortable, you can disqualify the candidate.
3.4. Step Four: Check References Once you've narrowed down your candidate database to a few good candidates, call their recommenders. If you've done this as part of a prescreening process, please call back and ask more detailed questions or for further reference.
Ask previous employers about the nanny's strengths and weaknesses and why they no longer employ her. Don't skip this step, you'll want to know how she has and hasn't done for other families.
3.5. Step Five: Experiment Ask the finalists to come to your home in turn over a trial period of several days. Pay each one and observe how she interacts with your child. There's no better way to make a decision than to see for yourself what the nanny's job situation is like.
Based on the knowledge about babysitters in the above article, parents should consider and choose the nanny, the most suitable companion for children when you are away from home or at work.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: babycenter.com