Interviewing potential babysitter

I am looking for a babysitter, so I called an agency and interviewed someone. I was just wondering, what kind of questions do ppl. ask potential babysitters, and how do they double check the references.cuz this womans references sounded pretty sketchy to me.

Do a police check on her I wouldn't trust those illegals without.

If the references sound sketchy, don't do it!

Ask lots of questions-- about her background, her experience with kids, her experience in this country (if she isn't from here), where she's from and what she wants to do with her life, etc. Make conversation. Get a "sense" of her. Is she "normal"??? Is she responsible, trustworthy, fun, cool, all sorts of stuff... but then again, people can put on a pretty good show in one hour, so this is when references become EXTREMELY important. Only hire a person if THREE references can all attest to her responsibility, commonsense, trustworthiness, etc. with kids...

Remember your kids are the most precious thing you got, so be careful with those babysitters!!! Best of luck to everyone.

Posted: Tue, Oct 17 2006, 7:38 pm Post subject:

go with your gut; I wouldn't hire someone whose references sounded sketchy.

I agree about the references.

I also meet my potential babysitters in a neutral place and bring my kids. If my kids like her it's a good sign.