I am looking for a babysitter for 2 weeks for my 3 year old while I am having my baby and have asked the "potential sitters" for references. What questions do I ask the references? I am over-paranoid, and want to make sure I cover all my bases. Thanks!
2006-09-05 08:43:22 · 10 answers · asked by hello_heather_03 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I would ask:
What are the sitters strongest points?
What are the sitters weakest points?
How long did the sitter work for them?
Why did she stop working for them?
Were there ever any issues at all which they were concerned about?
If their child was ever hurt while in the sitters care did she respond correctly, know first aid, contact them?
And DO call the references, absolutely - good luck!
2006-09-05 08:47:37 · answer #1 · answered by step 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree with the other respondents to the question... yes check with references and pose potential situations to him/her but I'd add something.
ask him/her what they find/ or have found to be an uncomfortable situation in babysitting. (this helps you see some quirks without seeming rude)
ask about his/her favorite games to play, tricks to calm a scared or upset child. how comfortable are they in calling you if they can't calm the child. at what point do they call... for example if the child throws up but then acts normally... if the child takes an excessivelly long nap? if they bump their head?
you are right to be careful and thorough. this is not paranoid... just good parenting. and you should never feel you have to apologize for it.
ps... while you may not have a solid reason for liking or disliking a person... listen to your gut feeling; your intuition picks up on cues that your brain may not.
2006-09-05 09:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by artful dodger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I'm going to ask you to blindly assume this child, my child, is the most important person in this equation. Without fear of anything you say getting back to (potential babysitter), would you leave your child with her/him for x hours a day? Do you think she'll be more likely to engage my child in play and creativity or will she be more likely to plunk my kid down in front of a TV? Do you think she'll respond compassionately to my child's cries for either food, drink, attention, diaper changes, bed, pain? Can you give me examples of exemplary responsibilty you've witnessed her displaying?
I feel for you. I made the decision to be a stay at home, work from home mother because both my daughter and I were anxious about daycare and because, money matters aside, I couldn't think of one good reason for me to go to work while she was so young. But I do see where other's have different needs and aren't in a position to make such a drastic choice. I wish you the very best of luck. You may want to get a nanny cam, too, just to ease your mind about the level of care your child is receiving in your absence.
2006-09-05 08:55:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would be my top five:
1. How long have they known them?
2. Do they have any history of anger or abusive issues?
3. How are they with children?
4. Do they have patients
5. Are they able handle emergencies?
2006-09-05 08:50:56 · answer #4 · answered by sweet_truth 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nicely, i for my area think of that women ought to now and lower back ask boys out, only reason i'm a guy and dont have the middle to ask them out myself. yet i think of why lots of the boys are apprehensive approximately asking is approximately what unusual rumours would be around as quickly as he asks. now and lower back it helps if the lady asks, it is going to offer the boy somewhat vanity.
2016-12-14 18:47:42 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't exactly know, but DO make sure the sitter has taken a CHILD CPR class (and passed)
and knows basic first aid
2006-09-05 09:29:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you find one you get a good vibe from and run a basic background check. It shouldn't cost a ton and you can make sure your sitter isn't an ex-con or anything.
2006-09-05 08:49:12 · answer #7 · answered by rishathra7 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well i would first of all ask he people that you already know.. and if one of them could watch the 3 yr old if not its hard finding someone now days to watch your children whom you can trust.. i would personaly lookup a nanny service in the area...they are really picky about who they hire...
2006-09-05 09:58:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the references if the applicant worked for them, in what capacity, is she eligible for rehire. If they say, "No," That ends that applicant. If yes, ask about any problems with her and her strong points.
2006-09-05 08:46:13 · answer #9 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
..........I'm willing to babysit.
2006-09-05 11:20:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋