Hiring a babysitter is one of the most worrisome things a parent can do. Finding someone who you trust whole-heartedly to care for your child is not an easily made decision. Below are our top tips on what to look for when hiring a babysitter:
1. Look for a babysitter with experience and training. Some might think that a babysitting job does not require the submission of a resume. We disagree. Find someone with a professional resume, a background and experience in babysitting, and some basic training including a CPR certification (or is willing to get CPR certified).
2. Call those references. Another reason why we recommend hiring a babysitter with a resume is the opportunity to review and call the applicant’s references. References are the best resource for knowing how the applicant interacts with children, how reliable they are, how trustworthy they are, and can highlight any special skills they might have (for example: cooking, cleaning, crafting, etc.).
3. Social media stalking is OK. What someone presents on a resume might be very different from what they will put on their social media. Do not be afraid to check out online profiles like Facebook and Instagram of potential babysitter candidates; this could give you a better idea of the kind of person they really are.
4. Trust your gut. Ultimately, the best way to know what babysitter is the best fit for you and your family is to listen to your own intuition. When you conduct and in-person interview, you will see how they interact with you and your children and will know in your gut if it is a good fit or not.