How do you know you can trust your baby sitter?

Answer 1

As a sitter, I can tell you, they're worried if they can trust you, too! Get a sitter as a referral from a friend. Interview them first with a lot of questions and watch them engage with your kids. Get a nanny cam--tell them you have one first, but don't say where it is or anything, just ask how they feel about them and say that you have one. As a sitter, I could care less if someone had a nanny cam--I'm not doing anything I wouldn't want anyone else to see. I have nothing to hide. Good sitters could care less if there is one. Also, see what types of things they do with the kids--play games, are toys in different places when you get back, did they do art projects, did they bake, are there dirty bottles in the dishwasher, is the baby/child comfortable around the sitter when you get back or do they hide from him/her and look distressed? Again, you'll know a good sitter when you meet one.

Answer 2

it's hard to do... either you know them well already or you hire from a reputable company that does lots of background checks and training before they hire their employees out. a lot of people get hung up on background checks... I prefer training, real training - not only in cpr/first aid... but in child development stuff too... explaining why not to let baby cry, why not give them honey, why it's important to do certain things... education and understanding are often more important than finding out if someone's been caught doing something... if someone has hurt a child, no one is going to hire them!! it's the ones that seem friendly and come up clean, but have no formal training just "I love babies, I come from a big family" lose points in my book.

whether you're looking for a bi monthly date night, or going back to work full time... it's the same story.

I'm babysit some of my friends kids... but I've never done it for a stranger... always people I know. I think I'd be leary of someone (who wasn't running a reputable business) that would just take my child w/out knowing anyting about me either.

AND, unless it's a relative... I also can't understand why people hire young girls to babysit on friday night. a 15 yr old unattended? some even younger....... even a relative I only did once - but she was my cousin, and her parent's were upstairs watching a movie!! so while they never came out of their room, I knew that my aunt and uncle were there as back up for my 15 yr old cousin who also volunteered regularly at the church nursery, just in case something happened w/ my then 13 month old.

on the silly side... pretty much my babysitter for bimonthly date night is my mother... I trust her to care for my child as I would... but cannot trust her or my father to not give her a plate load of Oreo cookies and chocolate milk for bedtime snack - or chocolate chip pancakes ala mode for breakfast!!

Answer 3

I don't think there's a time when you can really trust anyone no matter how many references they have, what their personality is like, etc. I guess just go with your gut feeling. A mother's intuition is usually right on. I work at a daycare and I know how daycare workers are stereotyped because you see a lot of abuse from childcare providers on the news a lot. But like I said, go with your instinct and hopefully it proves you right.

Answer 4

Point blank, I don't. I only let family that I trust watch him. So, my mom and his father's mom. That's it. I don't trust anyone with all these people on the news hurting other people's babies. It sucks, but it really limits you on a babysitter if you need one, but hey I'd rather have my son be safe then me get to go out and have to worry.

Answer 5

if there are any universities or colleges around you could try asking child development or early childhood education teachers. those students usually are flexible, could use some extra cash, and really care. but of course have a trial day and watch how they interact with your kids. you can just say you need to get some errands done around the house so its not awkward and ask her to watch the kids.

Answer 6

Either hire a friend or someone recommended by a friend... and if you can't do that then grill the heck out of them before giving them the job. Start with small trips away from home to see how he/she does and go from there.

Answer 7

Check the background on the person. Use a website to check on them or you can try the police station. Megan's Law is good too even if it's a woman. Can't be too careful.

Answer 8

Well I think it depends on who is watching them. If you don't trust your instinct then have someone you know watch them, that way you wont be worried when you are away. Hope this helps :)

Answer 9

if she lives near you when he or she is outside observe her or talk to her parents and find out things you might concerned about just tell her that you havent had a babysitter before so your a little nerves find out if she has a cell phone if so call and check on her as often as you fell needed!
hope i helped

Answer 10

if i had to question it then i wouldn't do it..i would only have family or friends Dont because really you cant truly trust someone you dont know with your child