Choosing a babysitter

Silver Member Joined: Dec 18 2006 Posts: 694 Location: NY

I'm posting this again here, because someone suggested that my previous forum choice wasn't the best.

My sitter of 7 months left us because she is going back to school full time. I have been interviewing new babysitters this week, and it's a nightmare. The position is full time (43 hours a week) for my 1 year-old son. I've met three sitters so far, and they are all fine, but each has her own positives and negatives. It is so hard to decide who to offer the position to! How do you make these decisions? DH refuses to be involved, so it's all on me. My "finalists" right now are very different. One is in her 60's, and the other is in her 20's. UGH! SO HARD!

Posted: Thu, Aug 07 2008, 4:35 pm Post subject: re: Choosing a babysitter

I think the younger the better I mean rather 20 than 60 (young chicks are a lot more patient and willing to please.-correct me if im wrong) . get someone with experience with children. Get a few references from her.

Loads of luck,

Once u hire her, tell her that the 1st few weeks ur "trying a new job" and you hope its gonna work out so in case it doesnt work out u wont hurt them that much by sending them away.

Remember ITS NOT PERMANENT. It doesnt work out u move on to the next one (dont throw their numbers out) keep notes. compare them.

Posted: Thu, Aug 07 2008, 5:20 pm Post subject: re: Choosing a babysitter

don't hire anyone without checking all references, and if there are any inconsistencies don't hire them
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Posted: Thu, Aug 07 2008, 6:39 pm Post subject: re: Choosing a babysitter

Actually from observing babysitters and nannys in the park when I am out and about with my kids I noticed that often it's the young girls who are sort of ignoring the kids and older "grandma" types who talk to them more and are more involved. Of course I am only generalizing and individual cases might be very different. Besides checking the references I would also see whose parenting views are closer to yours, what are they willing to do around the house if they are watching your child in your place (I used one babysitter who was excellent with my kids, but had to clean up after her every time she left-and I left the place neat to start with), and also see which one your child seems to take to better. Good luck!