Interviewing Babysitters

[Gwen]

i've got some girls scheduled to come to my home so i can meet and interview them as possible babysitters. but i just realized, i don't know what to ask them. beyond the obvious; experiance, references, rate, avaliability times; what do i want to ask? this is important, these are my kids.

what are some of the things yall would ask?

i've thought about discussing my son that has epilepsy (he hasn't had a seizure since going on medication and it is working, but there is always the chance that he could have one). if they know what to do or are even comfortable with that possibility. they might would have to administer his meds (which is easy to do) but again would they be ok with that. i'm also thinking about asking how they would handle my little banshee's fits.

other than that i'm at a loss. ideas?

[pam]

What about questions as to how they would handle different situations. Emergency? Discipline? Things along that line. Especially about discipline. Do their ideas follow in line with your own?

[rosie321]

i've got some girls scheduled to come to my home so i can meet and interview them as possible babysitters. but i just realized, i don't know what to ask them. beyond the obvious; experiance, references, rate, avaliability times; what do i want to ask? this is important, these are my kids.

what are some of the things yall would ask?

i've thought about discussing my son that has epilepsy (he hasn't had a seizure since going on medication and it is working, but there is always the chance that he could have one). if they know what to do or are even comfortable with that possibility. they might would have to administer his meds (which is easy to do) but again would they be ok with that. i'm also thinking about asking how they would handle my little banshee's fits.

other than that i'm at a loss. ideas?

When you meet the person your impressions will help to guide the discussion. If you don't feel comfortable with them-run They may be a good babysitter but they need to be a fit with your family. Now that I have kids I've become very selective.

What are their standards? Can they reinforce yours? Share your rules/things most important to you in a babysitter. See where they stand. Can they support you in this? Can they be consistant in discipline? Give them scenarios that could possibly occur and ask how they would handle them. If they're teachable and seem to be a fit you can teach them if they don't know but it may help to weed out some bad ones too.

If they're squirming and it bothers them that you ask maybe you need to look elsewhere. You need one that will take saftey seriously and make your kids a priority. Not spending all their time on the phone, having others over, watching rated R movies, drinking alcohol, etc.

Your son has epilepsy are there service providers/ relief care in your area? People who are specially trained? Chances are your son will be alright but the babysitter should be prepared to handle situations as they arise. Always consider the worst case scenario. A young untrained babysitter may not be the best for you considering the special need. In our area there is an organization that has a referral list of specially trained sitters who can handle special situations.

Put together an emergency folder for them with all information they might need. With emergency contacts, numbers, allergies, things to avoid, etc. Once you've picked someone give them a tour of the home. Show them where the fuse box is, shutoffs, escape plans so they know what to do. Have this information in the packet too. Another useful thing is to have a signed emergency medical release (for the babysitter / nearest friend or relative) in the extreme case that an accident happens the sitter can get emergency help and they don't have to wait until they can reach you (especially if you are going to be out of contact for a little while or a distance from home). Make sure they have all the information they need.

You might want to ask what things that plan on doing with the children too.

[Gwen]

thanks for the replies. some of it i thought "i knew that" seems so obvious. lol and other stuff is great but i would have never thought of. any other ideas feel free to share.

[Alaskagain]

There are some community organizations (the Red Cross?) that offer babysitting courses for free or nominal cost. They cover the basics in first aid for children, safety, and planning for emergencies. If there is one in your area, you could ask if they have attended, or would be willing to attend it if you paid the fee. Offer it only to the 2 that you are most interested in hiring, and try to keep at least 2 qualified sitters on your "hired" list.

Prepare a schedule and plan specific activities for the time you will be out - this helps your children as well as the sitter. If you are going out for the evening, will she serve dinner (it should be prepared already), at what time, etc. Do the children help clean up after the meal? After dinner, it is game time (play THIS game), or reading time (read THIS book), or tv time (watch THIS show or dvd.). What time is bed time? After they are in bed, is she allowed to be on the phone with friends, using the computer, watching tv, etc. The more specific the better, at least for the first few dates.

As far as the "little banshee's fits", lol, a little individualized training goes a long way! Tell the babysitter, "Banshee may get angry and throw his shoe across the room, and when he does this, we say 'We don't throw shoes in our house and you know when you do that, you must sit in this little chair for five minutes', and take away his other shoe." This keeps the babysitter on the alert for flying shoes, and the consequence for the banshee exactly the same with the babysitter as it is with you.

Best of luck to you!

[Annabelli]

Signs of a Bad Babysitter:

When you invite them to your home for the interview and they talk a lot about how great your house is and how much they like your interior design, they are going to entertain friends while you are gone.

If your children are present and they try to hold them, immediately start calling them by their name, and are disruptive while you are talking, they will be on the phone shouting at your children while you are gone.

If they sit quietly when you are talking and seem shy about answering questions or answer with a short phrase, they will be watching tv, reading a book, or using the computer and ignoring your children while you are gone.

If they want to walk around outside in the yard with your kids, they will take your kids places in their car while you are gone.

If they offer to clean your house, wash dishes, dust, take out the garbage, they are going to steal from you.

If they are available anytime, they are never coming back and don't plan on working for you.

If they are overly enthusiastic about handling your young children and rough-house playing, they will physically abuse your child when you are gone. (yanking them by the arms, slapping them on the back of the head, and throwing them on the bed or couch...etc.)

Never under any circumstances allow a new babysitter to bath your child. A dirty kid is far better off than a scalded one.

Signs of a Good Babysitter:

Upon being invited, glances around the house as they follow you into the room where you want to talk and takes the seat that you offer.

Offer them a beverage. (have something prepared) People who accept an offering are usually respectful and will have good communication skills with you. (someone who shows up with a bottle of water or soda may have other things like cigarettes that they will be using in your home and probably eat your food.)

If your child runs from the room after being introduced, they know that sometimes you will be away and they are reacting to you. They may even hit the person that you are interviewing for the same reason. A good babysitter will accept your apology and appear embarrassed.

As you talk about your child, a good babysitter will ask questions as to how you handle the situation. (a bad babysitter will give you advice.)

A good babysitter has references like Mom, maybe another babysitting job's boss, a teacher, or a friend's Mom. (a bad babysitter has too many references.)

A good babysitter will tell you about their personal schedule and when they are available to babysit. Some babysitters have curfews. If your babysitter is a teenager, you have to abide by the city curfew laws. (a bad babysitter will offer to sleep over if need be.)

Payment:

Tell your babysitter how much you are going to pay them. Always pay them in cash when you arrive home.

In the day of the Internet you can no longer pay by check which has your account number and routing number.

Never leave them with a bank card for pizza delivery.

Never have the pharmacy deliver anything while you are gone.

BOTTOM LINE: Never leave your child/children with a new babysitter for more than two (2) or three (3) hours.

[Gabelma]

i've got some girls scheduled to come to my home so i can meet and interview them as possible babysitters. but i just realized, i don't know what to ask them. beyond the obvious; experiance, references, rate, avaliability times; what do i want to ask? this is important, these are my kids.

what are some of the things yall would ask?

i've thought about discussing my son that has epilepsy (he hasn't had a seizure since going on medication and it is working, but there is always the chance that he could have one). if they know what to do or are even comfortable with that possibility. they might would have to administer his meds (which is easy to do) but again would they be ok with that. i'm also thinking about asking how they would handle my little banshee's fits.

other than that i'm at a loss. ideas?

Something I liked when I was interviewed was the lady that actually invited me to dinner and we played games with her children afterwards. It was a wonderful oppotunity to see how the family worked, and I felt much more confident looking after her children

Charley

[bunnzy]

ooo.... I think judging by that i was a bad babysitter...

I was such a dope. When the kids were in bed i would raid the kitchen for treats. Hey the parents always said 'help yourself!'

so i did.

I didnt realise how STUPID that was until now.

[Gabelma]

ooo.... I think judging by that i was a bad babysitter...

I was such a dope. When the kids were in bed i would raid the kitchen for treats. Hey the parents always said 'help yourself!'

so i did.

I didnt realise how STUPID that was until now.

It isn't stupid if I say help yourself I mean I want you to make yourself at home if I can't afford to do that then I leave out a plate of treats and maybe some supper.. Its just as important to be a good babysitter employer

Charley

[prisonchaplain]

Maybe my family is just silly, but I'd be quite frightened by the prospect of hiring a stranger to babysit my girls. We have let a young lady in our church watch our children, but a stranger?

I know circumstances sometimes require such, but am I alone in being so paranoid?

[Alaskagain]

PC, not silly. I assumed Almom was going to be interviewing young ladies from church . . .

[Gabelma]

Maybe my family is just silly, but I'd be quite frightened by the prospect of hiring a stranger to babysit my girls. We have let a young lady in our church watch our children, but a stranger?

I know circumstances sometimes require such, but am I alone in being so paranoid?

I agree have only everlet family members look after my kids and have one very close friend I would let.

Charley

[Annabelli]

Some people work and use a babysitter everyday. Some people are community leaders and have to attend meetings, benefits, etc.

You need a babysitter when you have a doctor's appointment, having your car serviced, buying groceries, and attending a siblings activity (music recital, baseball game, school play).

Pay your babysitter like you would any professional and a tip is expected if you are running late in getting home.

If you are needing a steady babysitter, they will probably ask you for references.

Many daycare centers have part time employees who babysit and have excellent references.

[Gabelma]

Some people work and use a babysitter everyday. Some people are community leaders and have to attend meetings, benefits, etc.

You need a babysitter when you have a doctor's appointment, having your car serviced, buying groceries, and attending a siblings activity (music recital, baseball game, school play).

Pay your babysitter like you would any professional and a tip is expected if you are running late in getting home.

If you are needing a steady babysitter, they will probably ask you for references.

Many daycare centers have part time employees who babysit and have excellent references.

I would take my children with me to most of those occasions, here theDrs surgery has a box of toys in the corner, same for the car servicing places or you leave the car and go somewhere else, my children help buy groceries, and they could certainly come to a sports game.

I have nothing against babysitters but wow that a lot of time with your child with strangers, might as well work outside the home. Is this a cultural difference?

Charley

[Annabelli]

<div class='quotemain'>

Some people work and use a babysitter everyday. Some people are community leaders and have to attend meetings, benefits, etc.

You need a babysitter when you have a doctor's appointment, having your car serviced, buying groceries, and attending a siblings activity (music recital, baseball game, school play).

Pay your babysitter like you would any professional and a tip is expected if you are running late in getting home.

If you are needing a steady babysitter, they will probably ask you for references.

Many daycare centers have part time employees who babysit and have excellent references.

I would take my children with me to most of those occasions, here theDrs surgery has a box of toys in the corner, same for the car servicing places or you leave the car and go somewhere else, my children help buy groceries, and they could certainly come to a sports game.

I have nothing against babysitters but wow that a lot of time with your child with strangers, might as well work outside the home. Is this a cultural difference?

Charley

The medical receptionist at the doctor's office is not a daycare attendant while you have your exam or medical procedure. The 5 minute oil change could turn into a couple of hours with no place in walking distance to shop/eat. It's okay to take your kids to the grocery store once in a while but more often than not, they don't want to go and you spend money buying stuff they want that is not on your list; probably more than the cost of a babysitter. Taking other siblings to an event for one of your children and having to constantly work to keep them with you is not quality time for the child performing now is it?

The average parent(s) with two-three children spend an average of 2 hours shopping at the grocery store. Without the kids, this chore can be accomplished in about 45 minutes and you save anywhere from $30 to $80 not buying the things they see and want and you have not budgeted.

You are not going to have a medical appointment for yourself every day. Taking care of yourself is very important to your family. I am sure you would feel more comfortable without them.

Just to let you know, my son was one of the babies being taken care of by Jessica's mother when Jessica fell down the well in Midland, Texas!

[Gabelma]

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'>

Some people work and use a babysitter everyday. Some people are community leaders and have to attend meetings, benefits, etc.

You need a babysitter when you have a doctor's appointment, having your car serviced, buying groceries, and attending a siblings activity (music recital, baseball game, school play).

Pay your babysitter like you would any professional and a tip is expected if you are running late in getting home.

If you are needing a steady babysitter, they will probably ask you for references.

Many daycare centers have part time employees who babysit and have excellent references.

I would take my children with me to most of those occasions, here theDrs surgery has a box of toys in the corner, same for the car servicing places or you leave the car and go somewhere else, my children help buy groceries, and they could certainly come to a sports game.

I have nothing against babysitters but wow that a lot of time with your child with strangers, might as well work outside the home. Is this a cultural difference?

Charley

The medical receptionist at the doctor's office is not a daycare attendant while you have your exam or medical procedure. The 5 minute oil change could turn into a couple of hours with no place in walking distance to shop/eat. It's okay to take your kids to the grocery store once in a while but more often than not, they don't want to go and you spend money buying stuff they want that is not on your list; probably more than the cost of a babysitter. Taking other siblings to an event for one of your children and having to constantly work to keep them with you is not quality time for the child performing now is it?

The average parent(s) with two-three children spend an average of 2 hours shopping at the grocery store. Without the kids, this chore can be accomplished in about 45 minutes and you save anywhere from $30 to $80 not buying the things they see and want and you have not budgeted.

You are not going to have a medical appointment for yourself every day. Taking care of yourself is very important to your family. I am sure you would feel more comfortable without them.

Just to let you know, my son was one of the babies being taken care of by Jessica's mother when Jessica fell down the well in Midland, Texas!

Like I said I do wonder how much of this is cultural would like to know before I move to the US and I am too shocked?

There is a lot here that is a problem because children are not involved in daily life, I do not expect my medical receptionist or dental receptionist to care for my children they have both come with me from an early age and neither is disruptive they come into the appointment, and sit and play quietly in fact my daughter loves coming because she gets to play with toys there or ones Itake with me they are not allowed to play in the house, my ten month old now knows that is how to behave. My daughter can sit for 5 minutes whilst oil is changed, I just keep a book in my bag. If its a longer service we just go for a walk. And I firmly believe children should not have everything bought for them in the store, she helps with the shopping, and look at prices and do reading. I don't think it even takes us 45 minutes. Again my daughter is used to going places with Mum and Dad and can sit for an hour with a sibling performing would not be a problem - we practise by taking her to recitals and theatre. It just takes a little organisation. Maybe I expect a lot from my kids but from a very early age they can learn how to behave in different situations

-Charley

[Gwen]

wow, where have i been? lol ok so for those that were wondering i was not talking about interviewing yw from chruch unfortunately. i am in a position that i am having to venture into the community and find someone. i am having to have some faith in my ability to receive inspiration that this will be fine or not. i am nervous about it but it is where life has put me at the moment. so i am taking suggestions from neighbors, asking for references, interviewing, and most importantly praying and trusting how it feels. i did have one young lady watch my kids yesterday for two hours. my 6 yr old is very talkitive and has a very good memory for details and i've asked him for a full report. lol things seem to have gone well.

as for the other issue that has come up about taking kids places. i think our culture is increasing to doing things without the kids, especially the fewer kids ppl have. but it isn't the end of the world if you take your kids places. part of why i'm in this quandry is that i take my kids everywhere with me. for the first time i'm having situations that i need sitters. i take all of my children to the store with me, i do not buy them every want and impulse they have. i use it as a teaching experiance so yes it takes forever, who cares. i let them help pick the brand or specific flavor of something we have on our list, i talk to them about prices (if we get a then we can't get this impulse they want (usually asked for on a different occasion, not that moment), if we save money with b then there is money for x, y or z....). when my kids do ask for things they rarely ask for it imeadiatly. sometimes they know from the start it's an extra and will say, my bday is comming up can we get some of this... they know what are special occassion items, etc. i do avoid taking them to dr offices that i won't be able to tend to them (dentist, gyno, etc). regular dr i take them all. my son with seizures goes to a special clinic with ppl there that have every disability you can think of; wheel chairs of every kind, terets, various retardations. there is a lot going on. i take all the kids (that aren't in school now, all before). at first the dr was shocked, he worried about the kids being afraid of all the stuff going on. i explained that i had talked to them before we got there, told them what to expect (i did go by myself and the one child the first time), about manners (how to ask questions, not to point or stare), exactly what behavior i expect from them etc. they did great (the dr was impressed by the end of the visit as well) and have now been exposed to some diversity that they otherwise may have never seen. i hope that if there is ever a child in their class with terets or something they will be one of the kids who don't stare and never speak to the child, but can ignore it, know what's up, and make a new friend. if i never took them out this opportunity would have passed me by. i took my kids to all my prenate checkups (with exclusion of the gyno type exam ones, the dr always told me what to expect for the next visit). let me think, is there anywhere else i take the whole clan.........lol some days my kids are on one and make life hard, but for the most part they are great. i can take them most anywhere. i think it's important to do so. and i constantly get complimented on their behavior, in chruch, restraunts, dr offices, stores, etc. lol oh, my oldest two (just turned 6 and 5 this summer) love to go to plays, we go as often as occasion will permit. that one is frustraiting cause most plays (even childrens plays) have age limits and they are only just now getting old enough to qualify for most.

i guess that is all for now. lol

[Gabelma]

wow, where have i been? lol ok so for those that were wondering i was not talking about interviewing yw from chruch unfortunately. i am in a position that i am having to venture into the community and find someone. i am having to have some faith in my ability to receive inspiration that this will be fine or not. i am nervous about it but it is where life has put me at the moment. so i am taking suggestions from neighbors, asking for references, interviewing, and most importantly praying and trusting how it feels. i did have one young lady watch my kids yesterday for two hours. my 6 yr old is very talkitive and has a very good memory for details and i've asked him for a full report. lol things seem to have gone well.

as

Sorry lol didn't mean to sound judgemental, I think I am just panicking about my move and beginning to wonder just how odd I will be, its more curiousity and a my goodness isn't that weird than ooh you shouldn't do that. I'm not anti babysitter and glad it went well. just it seemed odd to have one for things that would be natural for me to just take my kids and not think twice. Children here are much more portable than they used to be. But I did find when I was in Southern California it was a lot more difficult to take my daughter out and about, I needed a much bigger bag full of stuff (here diapers are supplied in stores, everywhere has a play area or toys etc), and not every restaurant had a high chair, so I also had a chair sling. Here I just take a couple of nappies, change of clothes, snacks, book and small toy. And I do notice that my sister in law leaves her children with my Mother in Law when I would have just taken them.

My daugter would be very disappointed if I didn't take her to a Drs appointment she loves going she takes her Drs kit and wears her coat lol she attended all my ante natel appointments when I was pregnant with my son, I had a lot because of Pre-Eclampsia in my first pregnancy.

-Charley

[Annabelli]

From what has been posted here, most of you are responsible and are good parents. My son has been making grocery list since he could only draw pictures (3 or 4 years old). It was always fun shopping with him. The square with circles in it and a picture of a super hero is a box of cereal. The round circle with dots on it is a frozen pizza or chocolate chip cookies. Something that looks like Gumby with horns growing out the top is broccoli. = peas. LOL

[lizzy12]

Signs of a Bad Babysitter:

When you invite them to your home for the interview and they talk a lot about how great your house is and how much they like your interior design, they are going to entertain friends while you are gone.

If your children are present and they try to hold them, immediately start calling them by their name, and are disruptive while you are talking, they will be on the phone shouting at your children while you are gone.

If they sit quietly when you are talking and seem shy about answering questions or answer with a short phrase, they will be watching tv, reading a book, or using the computer and ignoring your children while you are gone.

If they want to walk around outside in the yard with your kids, they will take your kids places in their car while you are gone.

If they offer to clean your house, wash dishes, dust, take out the garbage, they are going to steal from you.

If they are available anytime, they are never coming back and don't plan on working for you.

If they are overly enthusiastic about handling your young children and rough-house playing, they will physically abuse your child when you are gone. (yanking them by the arms, slapping them on the back of the head, and throwing them on the bed or couch...etc.)

Never under any circumstances allow a new babysitter to bath your child. A dirty kid is far better off than a scalded one.

Signs of a Good Babysitter:

Upon being invited, glances around the house as they follow you into the room where you want to talk and takes the seat that you offer.

Offer them a beverage. (have something prepared) People who accept an offering are usually respectful and will have good communication skills with you. (someone who shows up with a bottle of water or soda may have other things like cigarettes that they will be using in your home and probably eat your food.)

If your child runs from the room after being introduced, they know that sometimes you will be away and they are reacting to you. They may even hit the person that you are interviewing for the same reason. A good babysitter will accept your apology and appear embarrassed.

As you talk about your child, a good babysitter will ask questions as to how you handle the situation. (a bad babysitter will give you advice.)

A good babysitter has references like Mom, maybe another babysitting job's boss, a teacher, or a friend's Mom. (a bad babysitter has too many references.)

A good babysitter will tell you about their personal schedule and when they are available to babysit. Some babysitters have curfews. If your babysitter is a teenager, you have to abide by the city curfew laws. (a bad babysitter will offer to sleep over if need be.)

Payment:

Tell your babysitter how much you are going to pay them. Always pay them in cash when you arrive home.

In the day of the Internet you can no longer pay by check which has your account number and routing number.

Never leave them with a bank card for pizza delivery.

Never have the pharmacy deliver anything while you are gone.

BOTTOM LINE: Never leave your child/children with a new babysitter for more than two (2) or three (3) hours.

I know this is totaly old but honestly this "bad babysitter" list is so funny ! What kind of person does those things ??

[Wingnut]

Holy paranoia, Batman!

Signs of a Bad Babysitter:

When you invite them to your home for the interview and they talk a lot about how great your house is and how much they like your interior design, they are going to entertain friends while you are gone.

Or they might be interested in interior design.

Or they hate their mom's decor so much that anything else looks great.

Or they just like your decor.

If your children are present and they try to hold them, immediately start calling them by their name, and are disruptive while you are talking, they will be on the phone shouting at your children while you are gone.

Or they're just being enthusiastic.

Or they're trying to show you how well they can engage children and that they aren't afraid to jump right in.

If they sit quietly when you are talking and seem shy about answering questions or answer with a short phrase, they will be watching tv, reading a book, or using the computer and ignoring your children while you are gone.

Or they're shy.

Or they're being respectful.

If they want to walk around outside in the yard with your kids, they will take your kids places in their car while you are gone.

Or they're just familiarizing themselves with the area.

If they offer to clean your house, wash dishes, dust, take out the garbage, they are going to steal from you.

Ore they're trying to secure a second job offer.

If they are available anytime, they are never coming back and don't plan on working for you.

Or they don't have a life.

If they are overly enthusiastic about handling your young children and rough-house playing, they will physically abuse your child when you are gone. (yanking them by the arms, slapping them on the back of the head, and throwing them on the bed or couch...etc.)

Or, again, they're enthusiastic.

Or you have boys.

Never under any circumstances allow a new babysitter to bath your child. A dirty kid is far better off than a scalded one.

I agree with the first part, but not the scalded part. How about "a dirty child is better than a dead child"?

Signs of a Good Babysitter:

...

Offer them a beverage. (have something prepared) People who accept an offering are usually respectful and will have good communication skills with you. (someone who shows up with a bottle of water or soda may have other things like cigarettes that they will be using in your home and probably eat your food.)

Or they aren't sure if you're going to offer them food and drink, so they bring their own.

Or they have dietary restrictions.

Or they are in the habit of carrying water with them everywhere they go.

Or they don't presume to just eat your food and drink your beverages.

If your child runs from the room after being introduced, they know that sometimes you will be away and they are reacting to you. They may even hit the person that you are interviewing for the same reason. A good babysitter will accept your apology and appear embarrassed.

A good babysitter will brush it off, not be embarrassed. Appearing embarrassed could demonstrate a lack of coping abilities.

A good babysitter has references like Mom, maybe another babysitting job's boss, a teacher, or a friend's Mom. (a bad babysitter has too many references.)

A good babysitter gets around, and might have many legitimate references.

A good babysitter will tell you about their personal schedule and when they are available to babysit. Some babysitters have curfews. If your babysitter is a teenager, you have to abide by the city curfew laws. (a bad babysitter will offer to sleep over if need be.)

A babysitter who offers to sleep over if necessary understands that you are not likely to take them up on the offer, but is still making herself available to you.

Payment:

...

In the day of the Internet you can no longer pay by check which has your account number and routing number.

In the day of the Internet, any teenagers wouldn't have a clue what to do with a check, other than give it to their parents. They likely wouldn't even know what the account or routing numbers are for, much less use them to rip you off.

BOTTOM LINE: Never leave your child/children with a new babysitter for more than two (2) or three (3) hours.

Sure, if you don't want to actually DO anything on your date.

A more realistic list: The Babysitting Workshop | Mormon Mommy Blogs

[Wingnut]

(Yes, I do realize how old this thread is. I just couldn't keep my fingers shut.)

[lizzy12]

haha Thanks !!