Baby Sitter Checklist
When interviewing potential baby sitters to care for your children it is a good idea to be prepared with a baby sitter checklist. You should have a good list of questions ready so that you can evaluate the person applying for the job. Your questions should be set up so that you can get a good idea about the character, experience level and methods of child guidance used by the applicant. It is imperative that your overall views about the care of your children match with the views of your new baby sitter. Otherwise, your children may become confused and begin to act out in frustration. The Baby Sitter Checklist 1. How long have you been caring for children? What were their ages? You need to make sure that your baby sitter has experience caring for children that are the same age or at least close to the same as your children. 2. May I have at least three references to families you have been a baby sitter for? You should actually call these references and ask if the person was on time, did a good job, left the house clean and if the children said anything about her after she left. That’s a really important one. 3. Describe one of the most difficult or trying moments you have had with a disruptive child. What did the child do? What did she do to correct his or her behavior? This is where you discover your potential baby sitter’s behavior management techniques. Make sure her techniques are acceptable to you or discuss possible modifications. Make a few notes about her techniques on your Baby Sitter Checklist after she leaves for later reference. 4. What do you do in your spare time? If she holds a more active lifestyle, it’s a pretty good indication that she will be an active baby sitter. If she responds by watching tv or relax around the house, that might tell you something else entirely. 5. Are you certified in child cpr and first aid? You want your baby sitter to be ready for any emergency. 6. Ask her to describe a typical day of activities with your kids. She should have at least a few fun things planned each day to entertain and educate your children. Write her responses down on your baby sitter checklist so that you can compare later. 7. Ask her to describe what kinds of meals she would prepare for the kids, and if she would allow them to snack in between meals. Make sure you both agree on how, what and when the kids eat. 8. Ask her how much tv she will allow them to watch. Make sure you discuss your tv viewing rules for the kids. Finding a baby sitter that is right for your family can be difficult job. But if you take advantage of the baby sitter checklist, take your time and really talk with all the baby sitters you interview, I am sure you will find a safe responsible care giver that your children adore.
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