I have 15 month old son and I am trying to find someone that can babysit odd hours. We would probably only need someone for a couple of hours Sun-Thurs and sometimes on weekend nights. I have never left my son with any sitter that was not in our family or lived next door. Is there a way to go on line or some kind of service that I can use to find a good sitter in my area (Richmond-Petersburg VA)? Thanks.
2007-02-02 16:44:48 · 4 answers · asked by ? 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
When my children were toddlers and I needed to find a sitter; I began with my family, the neighbors were next and if those didn't work - I was up a creek without a paddle. I finally just sat and thought for a bit and came up with an idea. I called the nearest high school and asked if they knew of any really good kids I could get to babysit for me from time to time. It took the school a few days but finally they called me back with a name of a young girl.
I called her and she came over so I could get to know her and my kids could get to know her and I could see how she got along with them. I used her a couple of times and then one time she couldn't make it but her older sister could. I finally ended up using them both off and on and it worked out really great. I called the high school and thanked them for sending such are really good girl over. I also told them about her sister. It worked out really well for me.
I know the high school wouldn't have recommened the girl if she wasn't trust worthy. It was a great move, on my part, and a really great resource that most people never even think about.
2007-02-02 16:56:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're looking for an online service, you could try craigslist.com. They have a childcare section. (Not sure about how many listings are in your area.) You can post and read for free. Of course, this site does not prescreen anyone, so you would still need to take that step. Ask for state background checks (whatever is required of childcare workers in your state--if you go with someone with childcare or school experience, they probably already have this) and references to help set your mind at ease.
Another good source would be a local college, especially the education department. You could post a flyer or advertise in the school paper. These hours would probably work well for a college student.
2007-02-03 06:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by snowberry 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check with the local human services. They should have a list of state certified baby-sitters. Most of them should have a list of references that you could call and find out more on each sitter.
2007-02-03 04:44:45 · answer #3 · answered by chris l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing I can tell you is, if you have friends with children about his age ask about thier babysitters. Or you can search the internet, I live in a military town so there are a lot of spouses who babysit all the time. Just ask around, you might be surprised.
2007-02-03 00:53:30 · answer #4 · answered by Cocoa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋