What typres of things to ask a potential babysitter?

Question

I recently moved to a new state, and we don't know anyone here yet, I put an ad in a local paper for a babysitter for occaisional weekends and nights, tons of people have left messages, what do I say when I call back? What types of questions should I ask? Should I meet with them for an interview of sorts?

Answer 1

You should get together some questions and call them in for interviews. Make sure the children are there so you can see how they react to them. You should probably ask about previous babysitting experience, references, not sure how old your kids are but if they can change diapers. Also if they are CPR certified and some people do background checks and driving checks. And also how they would handle certain situations.

Answer 2

Hi I have much experience in this matter. Yes, you should interview them to see what they look like and check out their demeanor. You should ask them for a police clearance and also once they fill out an application run them down on the child molester site. You can find this with your local state police website.
You should ask them questions on how they would handle different situations. You should ask how much experience they have with kids.
You should let your baby or kids be present during the interview so you can see how they react to them. You should also ask if they have CPR and First Aid training. If not then suggest they get before you hire them. If you get the feeling you don't like them then don't hire them.

Answer 3

I would interview them for sure. Are they going to be watching the kids at your house or theres? Check out there home, def. check references, as any and all questions you can think of. I know in Texas you can go to a website its the Department of Protective and Regulatory services or something along those lines and you can look for childcare and then search by a zip code and it will give you in home and daycare centers that watch children and you can view the inspections and what the inspector found at the inspection. Just a thought. Not sure what state you are in but maybe they have something like that too. But you def. want to meet face to face with the person who would be resposible for you children.

Answer 4

Me being a babysitter myself, I feel more comfortable when parents ask me to get interviewed for a job. It is a chance to meet the parents, The child/children, and see the house. So you should interview them. Ask them for references and experience. And ask for any certifications. Like any red cross training, first aid training. It is ok to go through alot of sitters. If the sitter is not comfortable with you just tell them you will not be needing her/him anymore. Also ask them there rate of pay.

Answer 5

I think the first thing to consider is her references......I don't think you should ask a lot of personal questions, remember this person doesn't know you either and they are probably young, so they might get intimidated, but you can talk to their references, ask about how many times they have been over, if the kids like spending time with her, if they are responsible, etc etc etc.....when I used to babysit I will always gave references, and they would hire me once they knew the kids loved spending time with me, remember this, is not more important that you like them it is more important that your kids are with someone not only responsible, but that the kids love!!!! Best of luck in your search...

Answer 6

On the phone, ask about their experience. Tell them what hours you have available. Ask how much they want per hour, or tell them what you pay, and see if the hours and pay could work. If they pass the telephone screen, invite them for an interview, and ASK THEM TO BRING REFERENCES.

The interview should be in two parts - one where you tell them about your child/children and ask them questions, and another where your kid(s) meet the person and spend a few minutes getting to know each other / play with each other. Watch their interactions. If your kid(s)' old enough, ask them what THEY thought. As for questions you can pose, ask what kinds of things they'd like to do with your child (after you tell them something about your child(ren)). Ask them something about themselves (i.e. college? major? other jobs?) We've found it helpful (for our special needs son) to ask how they would handle a specific difficult situation (we sometimes use "it's time to leave the pool, but he refuses. What do you do?")

Hope this is helpful.

Answer 7

right here is my advice. because you're in simple terms utilising her at times call the interior of reach severe college and confer with a coaching counselor they're going to be waiting to allow you already know the call of an incredible youthful female that can babysit each and every often times. back on your question ask her what share little ones she has watched interior the previous. what she thinks could be a chilled pastime to do with your son. and what she could do if some form of twist of destiny took place.

Answer 8

I would not let anyone watch my children without meeting them first. You should ask lots of question's like why do they want to do this. Do you have a record, what is your social life like. Your the parent you ask what you want to know what make you comfrotable. These are you kids you are about to leave with them you should be able to ask them anything that is on you mind.

Answer 9

YES you should definitely have an interview with them. not only that you should ahve them be with your child for a couple of hours before you hire them just so you can see how it goes. You should ask them for references and do a complete background check. ALso you should ask what kind of experience they have had with children. Ask what kinds of things they like to do in their spare time. Ask them everything until you feel you know them well enough to trust your child to them.

Answer 10

You should contact a nearby church and get references from them. Getting a good babysitter is hard when you don't know anyone but a nearby church will most likely have a good list of names for you.