how do i go about a babysitter???

Question

im 19 and have a 2year old and a 9month old. i have had no support from family or friends who would help me out.

i have moved far away from them all into a place where i dont know anyone.

my husband and me had decided that we would like to go out once a week without the kids to spend some time together as a couple. we have never been out together since the birth of our first child and could do with some time together as this would help our marriage.

because i dont know anyone whod babysit for us i've decided to advertise for a babysitter. can anyone tell me how to go about it and who should i be looking for as i dont want 13year olds looking after my children. where would i advertise?

before anyone says anything, i dont think im being selfish to have a night a week to my self. i deserve a night off.

am just looking for how to go about it, what i need to look for in someone and a reasonable pay for one evening.

Answer 1

First let out a word that you are looking for a babysitter. There are many ways including local newspaper, online, in your grocery store, in schools etc. Ask around too, maybe one of your neighbors can borrow hers. Once you have some people applying, ask for non-family references and their babysitting experience. If you are hiring someone older, run a background check. If you like someone, invite them to spend a few hours with your kids while you are at home (clean out the basement or garage in the meantime). If everything looks great, you might want to hire the person (but trust your guts, if someone seems off, it's safer to keep on looking).

Once you have a babysitter, start out leaving just for an hour or two to see how it is working out (and nanny cams are legal in most states, if you still need some more reassurance). Lay down rules you think should be followed (don't rely on the babysitter knowing - what comes natural to you, might not be natural for her). Remind her of safety precautions. Ask your two year old questions about the babysitter, they are pretty smart, they will tell you if something is off, but don't "supply" any ideas (ask what did they do, instead of did they do this?).

There is never a way of knowing 100%, but this is the safest way to get a babysitter. Expect to pay more for an adult (college student) and less for a highschooler, but amounts vary among areas.

Answer 2

You honestly shouldn't be so hung-up over this situation. There are many different possibilities. Some of the parents may of legitimately forgot some may already have a regular babysitter and maybe were having you as a backup in case babysitter #1 bailed. Or they possibly didn't see you as a "babysitter" they would like to have for their child. You shouldn't be over-thinking this situation as much as you already are, but since you already have..you should think back to the situation when you asked these 7 parents. Were they already busy doing something, and you were just an added nuisance? Or maybe you asked them during an awkward situation, such as face to face, which is a time where many people dont have the courage to tell people "no". Possibly before, during, or after you asked about the babysitting position the parents saw you doing something a tad bit "irresponsible" or, heard a bit of possible untrue gossip about you. Or possibly its none my answers haha just trying to help you figure this one out. Oh, and maybe its too soon and, they havent needed a babysitter yet. Haha, now im the one over thinking this one but good luck with everything.

Answer 3

You have got to get out and meet people, local shops etc, especially other mums, presumably 2 year old can attend a toddlers group the pre-pre-school groups for those still in nappies, and that is an excellent place to meet other parents who may well know suitable babysitters. I think that it is reasonable to expect any teenage girl babysitter to invite her boyfriend round for sex while she is "Looking After" your offspring but this is far better than leaving them on their own.
You are very young to have kids, my wife was 19 when we married but 30 when we had our first kid, and it is her mum who has done nearly 90% of our babysitting.
Moving nearer friends and family is probably a better choice, 15 minutes away, which could be 15 country miles or the other side of town, is probably ideal too far fro mother in law to be a regular pain but close enough to help out.
Finally night out yes, coming home blind drunk No, you are in no position to help your kids if they have a problem if you are drunk.

Answer 4

A really good place to find a babysitter is at local colleges that have masters education program. The students are older, and obviously like children, plus they are being trained on how to care for them. I recently got my masters in early childhood and elementary education, every day the program director sends out emails of people looking for babysitters

Answer 5

Do any of your neighbors have kids? Maybe you could watch their kids one night and they could watch yours while everyone has a date night. You do deserve it. Or maybe check the phone book for a sitting service. Dont let just anyone watch your kids though. Do your kids attend daycare? Sometimes teachers and teaching assistance will watch your kids at your home for a fee. Good luck and I hope you get your nites out and have a great time!

Answer 6

Contact your local county government's office for children/child care assistance office and ask them to send you a list of the County/state approved babysitters. You can start contacting folks on the list and interview them.

Answer 7

honestly iwouldnt trust anyone! but id you really want some one go to the ofsted website and look for resigeasred nannys or careers, they would of been fully checked police back ground ect and be given a EY number, but they might charge more, if not contact your local council and ask for regisitard child minders!

Answer 8

Have oyu tried contacting your local NCT group for advice or recommendations on babysitters.

Answer 9

My friend works in a nursery and she often babysits when the parents want a night out. Try that as they are qualified too so you know they are in safe hands...........

Answer 10

well the first thing you dont do is ask onthe internet you wouldnt know who you would get knocking at your door is there no friend you could ask if there is no one ask a neighbour but please be careful who your leaving your child with