How to choose the best babysitter
Mom of two, Narique Sangster, shares great tips on finding your very own Mary Poppins.
On your quest to carve out some time to do the things you want – or need – to do in your daily life, you’ve gone through a long and gruelling search for a babysitter, set up interviews, and now you have a handful of promising candidates to consider. But how do you know you’re making the right decision? Finding a babysitter who ticks all the boxes can be a challenge, but when you ask the right questions, you’re most likely to find the perfect person to take care of your precious child.
Know what you’re looking for
Ask the right questions
What matters most to your family? Write a list and transform these requirements into questions. Think about the kind of answers you would like to hear. The standard questions around experience, age and approach are incredibly important, but remember to ask questions that address your family’s unique needs, too. These may be along the lines of:
- What is your attitude towards discipline?
- Are you able to cook while also being mindful of what my child is doing?
- How many years have you been driving?
- My child has been struggling to come to terms with having a new sibling. How will you handle the little rumbles that are sure to crop up?
Also remember that even if a candidate has answered each of your interview questions perfectly, you’re still going to need to spend some time with them to establish whether they’re just right for you. If you’re serious about hiring them, invite them for a second interview with your children present. You’ll be able to get a sense of their true nature, and of course, whether they truly connect with your child.
Ask around
Follow your instincts
Be flexible
Certain things are non-negotiable, like your child’s safety and basic needs. When it comes to making your arrangement work, it’s important to remain flexible, and to be honest with yourself if you need to make a change. To be safe, agree to a trial period and see how it goes.
All the best!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article/post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Woolworths or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and/or advisers.