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Most parents need a baby sitter from time to time to provide care while they work or to just simply give them a break once in awhile. Being a parent can be very demanding. Finding a baby sitter that is trustworthy and dependable helps to ease the stress associated with child care issues. As all parents know, child care is a necessity at times. It is not always possible to take off from work every time your child has a sniffle and can’t go to school. On the other hand, a parent that is home full time needs a break as well, to rejuvenate physically and psychologically. Since we live in a highly mobile society, parents do not always have family members close by that they can ask to watch the children. So who do you turn to, and how do you find a baby sitter you can trust?

A good place to start the search for a baby sitter is to talk to other parents and ask them if they could make a recommendation. Maybe there is a neighbor who could also help out from time to time. Finding a good baby sitter is not always an easy task, and it shouldn’t be assumed that just because your best friend’s neighbor watches her children, that she is the right one for you. Parents should interview prospective baby sitters and check more than one reference. Parents also should never expect baby sitters to be a carbon copy of themselves. A good baby sitter should be flexible, kind, conscientious and have the knowledge and experience to interact appropriately with the children. They also should know what to do in the case of an emergency. During the interview, parents should discuss hourly rates and modes of transportation too. If the baby sitter lives next door, then transportation isn’t an issue, but it may be for someone who lives across town and doesn’t drive.

Baby sitters should never be expected or allowed to give medications, only simple first aid for minor bumps and bruises should be administered. Before leaving the baby sitter with the children, she should have all the information necessary, including phone numbers, address, etc. to contact the parents, nearest relative, neighbor or emergency services if a situation arises. Parents should also arrange a meeting between the children and the baby sitter before the actual time comes, so that the baby sitter knows what to expect and make the children more comfortable in their parents’ absence. Other rules should be discussed at this time as well. Baby sitters should not be allowed to have friends over or make phone calls unless approved by the parent. She should never answer the door to strangers either, no matter who they claim to be. The safety and security of the children should be the first priority!

Finding a good babysitter is an intimidating task for many parents who have too few options. If you have no friends or family who can babysit, then it’s time to seek a good babysitter out. There are a few good resources out there and there a some wise approaches to take when choosing a babysitter for your family. There are also signs that you may have made the wrong choice.

This biggest step is finding someone to care for your child or children. Many parent dread leaving their children with anyone at all, even professional daycare providers. Leaving your little ones in another person’s care is a difficulty task but it is a good step to take to ensure that your child develops a healthy attachment to you.

If your child is in daycare, you may want to inquire about “parents’ night out”. Some daycare providers offer this service so finding a babysitter is not actually necessary. My niece goes to daycare three times each week. I am her babysitter the other two days. Her daycare has one Saturday each month in which the daycare workers will watch the children for a small fee. This useful service is a great resource for parents.

Not all daycare providers will offer a babysitter service. You also may need a babysitter on a night other than the one selected by the company. Your children may not have grandparents who are physically able to tend to their needs. You could live far away from friends and family or you just may not feel comfortable bothering anyone who does not babysit professionally. What does a parent do? It is a good idea to create a network. Communicate with friends and neighbors who have children the same age as yours who they use. You can make inquires at work and at church. Both of these resources can be a great way to find the perfect babysitter in your area.

Once you have found your babysitter you may find yourself questioning your decision. Is this person too inexperienced? Is my child getting the right kind of care? Does this person really care about my child’s well being? These are all valid questions. There are a few signs that your babysitter is not a top choice. Watch your child’s behavior. Does your child cry or get unreasonably upset when the babysitter arrives? Is your child way too eager for your return? We all know that most children are excited to see you but if your child is staring out of the window or standing by the door after you have been away for over an hour, it is time to consider finding a new babysitter.