How to Choose the Right Babysitter for Your Family
Do you have a babysitter? I often laughed at the notion of having someone designated for the role. Nowadays I find myself delighted to have found someone that works for us.
As your child gets older there are a number of reasons why you might like to consider “recruiting” a babysitter. Perhaps it is so you can enjoy a date-night or social occasion. For others it may be to facilitate going to work or completing a course of some sort. Having someone that you can rely on and trust with your baby is worth it's weight in gold. But how does one go about finding the right person?
As your child gets older there are a number of reasons why you might like to consider “recruiting” a babysitter. Perhaps it is so you can enjoy a date-night or social occasion. For others it may be to facilitate going to work or completing a course of some sort. Having someone that you can rely on and trust with your baby is worth it's weight in gold. But how does one go about finding the right person?
Here are some things to consider.
- A family member is often a great idea. Do you have a cousin/niece in their teens for example? Chances are this person will know you well and will have seen you with the baby since the very beginning. Babysitting my cousins was my first real “job”. It taught me a lot about responsibility and I also loved earning the few bob.
- It is important to be able to be honest with the person. When communicating your preferences and instructions you don't want to be feeling as though you cannot say what you feel. This may affect the way your baby is put to sleep or how the person responds to your baby crying or waking.
- Communication is important. You want to be able to get in touch with the person who is looking after your baby. A person who is notorious for not answering their phone, for example, may not be the right person for the job.
- Trust is paramount. Your children are your most prized possessions. Knowing that they are cared for and treated right is essential. You will not be able to relax unless you can completely trust the person.
- Availability is also important. Naturally one person is not guaranteed to always be available but it will make life easier if the person you chose is someone who is generally willing and available when you need them. This could be a case of considering something as simple as their working hours.
- Location. Your babysitter will have to get to and from your home. Perhaps you might even like to drop them home. It may not be practical to chose a babysitter who is based too far from your home.
- Observing the way your children respond to the babysitter is probably the best indicator of all. Your children's comfort and security is the most important thing entirely.
When you do find the right person it is a truly wonderful thing to be able to make plans in the knowledge that the well-being and safety of your children is not an issue. There comes a time when you may like to start introducing the odd cinema date or start attending events and opportunities that come your way. When you find the right person they will usually be just as happy to find you.
Written by Tracey, mummy blogger and staff writer with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie
Check out her own blog at love-of-living.blogspot.ie
