Hiring a nanny or babysitter for temporary childcare responsibility can be quite the challenge for those who will become parents for the first time. It is after all, a big step to leave your children in anyone else’s hands, even their own grandparents! This can be especially true if you plan to bring your baby home from the hospital and take care of them as opposed to hiring help right away. That said, some jobs require business travel and many also need us to attend family functions where we may not want a newborn tagging along (needless to say), so it’s good we’ll have other options.
Don’t feel bad for having to leave your child at daycare. Studies have shown that children who attend daycare or are left in the care of a babysitter have better socialization skills as well as a higher vocabulary than their counterparts who stay home alone during the day. Of course, it is nerve-racking leaving your kid with someone else, but you can take extra precaution to protect even very young kids by investing in a video camera system like Netgear’s Arlo which allows you to keep an eye on your kids no matter where you may be!
How to Find the Best Childcare or Sitter for your Child
No one will love your child as much as you do, so accept the fact and get on with life! This statement doesn’t imply that you can’t find someone who is going to care for your child as well as you would or even better. But we all know that the love a parent has for their child is one so special, it’s not something you can feel until your blood runs through their veins.
Finding the right babysitter can be difficult. You have to take your time and find a provider that’s just right for you and your family . It may seem like a daunting task to fill this role. This is why it’s helpful to make sure that someone trustworthy is around at least during the initial months or years of your child’s life. Your evaluation process shouldn’t be rushed, so don’t fret about taking a little extra time to make sure you’ve found that perfect person!
It’s always good to do your research before hiring someone or placing your child with a particular caretaker. It’s best to secure a sitter or nanny for at least two to three months before making any decisions about them.
When selecting a babysitter, the following information is important to evaluate before choosing.
- Conduct interviews with different sitters; after you decide whether you want care to take place in your home or at another location. Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask potential sitters. Create a list for each prospective sitter that you interview so you can keep up with the information they provide.
- Ask for references and don’t be afraid to check them! Any good sitter can provide three to four references. Call them and ask their opinion of the sitter.
- Searching for a babysitter within your community is much easier. Ask friends and family member who they trust to care for their child. Oftentimes you’ll get great information here that may help you find someone easily. Check with the church that you attend for a sitter recommendation and be sure to inquire with co-workers.
- Experience is important when hiring a babysitter. Obviously you want someone to care for your child who understands that, sometimes caring for a child is a tiring task! You need a sitter that has shown they can handle even the most difficult of times with patience and the experience they offer certainly matters.
- No matter how much experience the babysitter has or how many excellent references on the resume, at the end of the day what really matters is the way that your child responds to the sitter and your personal thoughts and opinions. Your gut instinct is usually right, so this is the time to go with it. If your child doesn’t like the sitter (especially if he is typically friendly with other people) or you get bad vibes, there is probably a reason and the search for the perfect sitter should continue.
- Childcare costs vary from city and state and from provider to provider. A private sitter is usually the most affordable of the options and daycare the most expensive. The costs of the sitter are always important to consider when making your sitter selection.
- What is a typical day like with the sitter? A structured environment is one in which most children thrive. You want them to be in an environment with other kids where they learn and have the chance to play and interact and have fun with people that provide them with positivity, encouragement and lots of smiles. Be sure that the sitter provides you with a weekly agenda so you know exactly what your child is doing while you are away. Be sure to also ask for a weekly menu so you can rest assured that your child is eating healthy.
- How do you feel about the sitter? It is not easy to leave your child and worry and wonder all day. How does the sitter handle your worries and help them subside? Sending photos and daily reports is one way that a good sitter will help you feel assured of the care they’re providing to your little one.
- Is the sitter willing to follow any specific rules or expectations that you have for your child? Obviously a sitter that isn’t willing to meet your needs and requests isn’t one that you want to work with.
- How does the sitter interact with your child? A positive relationship is so very important for your child to have with the sitter. While some parents say it makes them a bit jealous, seeing that your child feels safe and secure is something that should make you proud!
