Archive | Babysitters

Resolving The Most Common Babysitting Problems of Parents

Finding a good, reliable babysitter for your toddler can be a challenging task. After all, you do not want to entrust your precious one’s safety just to anyone. Unfortunately, even with the most careful selection, there can still be issues with the babysitter you hire. Here are some of the most common babysitting problems of parents and ways how these can be resolved.

Problem # 1: The babysitter is always late.

Tardiness is at the top of the most common babysitting problems of parents. It is very exasperating if you have to rush to work but you cannot leave your toddler because the babysitter is late, again. The best way to resolve this babysitting problem is to bring it up gently. Be very clear about your schedule when you call to book her. Say something like, “I need to be in the office at 8 o’clock in the morning, so I have to leave the house at 7:30.”. Or, you can also create in some extra time by asking your babysitter to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance. Make it clear that you will not put up with last-minute cancellations (except for emergencies) and that if she really has to cancel, she will need to organize for a back-up sitter (someone who you have met and approved beforehand) on her own.

Problem # 2: The babysitter is frequently on her cell phone.

This one is another common babysitting problem. There are instances when the babysitter is too tied up on her cell phone talking and texting with her friends that she forgets her duties. The best solution is to talk about the problem at once and give her a warning. You do not have to feel bad about asking your sitter to hold all calls until your little one is asleep. But, make sure you are considerate when correcting your babysitter.

Problem # 3: Letting a toddler sleep past his bedtime.

A toddler who is still wide awake at 10 p.m. playing games or watching TV will surely wake up in a bad mood the next day. Let your babysitter know that she has to make sure your toddler follows his bedtime and that disregarding your toddler’s sleep schedule can throw him off for several days. Go over his bedtime routine – taking a bath, how many books to read, turning the nightlight on, etc. In addition, discuss your toddler’s delay antics so your little one cannot persuade your babysitter to let him stay up a little longer.

Problem # 4: Visitors

Another common scenario when a babysitter is around the house is finding a guest (especially if the visitor is of the opposite sex) sitting in your living room. The best way to resolve this is to let your babysitter know that visitors are not allowed in your home. If she wants to have a friend come by to visit while she is babysitting, she has to ask permission first and if you are okay with it, she can invite the guest over to your home.

Problem # 5: A messy house.

Sure, coming home to a sparkling house is such a joy. But, do not expect your babysitter to do the housekeeping for you. The babysitter’s responsibility is to look after your toddler, not to keep the house clean. However, do make it clear to your sitter that you expect to go back to a home that looks at least in the same condition as when you left. Also, make sure she reminds your little one to put his toys away before you return and does not allow your toddler to make a mess of the house.

Problem # 6: The babysitter lacks leadership.

It is difficult to have a babysitter who is incapable or does not want to take charge of the children. A babysitter’s role is to care for a toddler’s well-being, meaning, the babysitter should know how to discipline a child. If you find your babysitter lacks leadership, go ahead and make her aware that this bothers you. Ask your babysitter why she is unable to take charge. Give her tips. But, if your babysitter still does not set the direction for your toddler, then by all means look for another one.

Babysitting problems are normal. However, it does not mean you cannot avoid it. By having an open communication, understanding and respect, you and your babysitter can discuss whatever issues may arise and create a good working relationship.

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Questions You Should Ask When Finding A Babysitter

Having a mature and dependable babysitter is a valuable asset to any family. As a parent, it is your job to find the best caregiver for your toddler. So how do you begin finding a babysitter? Start by asking these questions.

Ask The Babysitter About Her:

Experience

The first question you should ask a potential babysitter is how long she has been caring for children. This is an imperative indicator of the babysitter’s knowledge and her comfort level with children. Ask about her past experience, what her responsibilities were and the types of activities she has done with other children she has cared for so you can get a better sense of her qualifications and how attuned her ideas are with the interests of your toddler. If you have a toddler who needs special care, find out exactly how much experience the sitter has with a child like yours.

Background and Personality

It is equally important that you know your babysitter’s background. Ask her to describe her temperament, her weaknesses and strengths, her family, where she grew up, how many siblings she has, if she is married or has children of her own, her lifestyle, which school she attended and the kind of upbringing she experienced. Also, ask the babysitter why she chose to pursue this career, the best thing about babysitting and the least thing she likes about her job. With the help of these questions, you can somehow gauge how dedicated and fond of children a potential babysitter is based on her answers.

Skills

You need to ensure your babysitter is capable of dealing with any emergencies that may come up. Find out if she knows CPR, if she has undergone first-aid training and is she has taken any babysitting courses. Ask her questions about basic child care – what will you do if my toddler cries? If he refuses to do his homework? If he throws a tantrum? What would you feed my toddler? What activities do you have planned for my toddler?

Child Care Philosophies

Since your babysitter will be in charge when you are not in your home, you have to make sure that she will behave in an appropriate manner with your toddler. Ask about her child care style. Talk about your own child care philosophies (e.g. your way of disciplining your little one). Both you and the potential babysitter should have the same philosophies or at least, she should be willing to adjust and follow your own child care style. Otherwise, you will only confuse your toddler and invite unpleasant situations.

References

References can help you make the decision to hire a certain babysitter or not. Ask for references and make sure you verify them one by one. Contact the babysitter’s previous employers. Find out how long she has worked for them, the type of care provided and if they had any problems with her care or her dependability. You can learn just as much, if not more, from other families as you can from the babysitter herself.

Fees and Schedule

Last, but definitely not the least, question the babysitter about her rate and schedule. Find out what her rates are, when she expects to be paid, her mode of transportation and about days off and leaves. Ask what day and hours she is available and if she can extend her hours during an emergency (e.g. when you need to overtime, visit a sick relative, etc.).

These are just some basic questions frequently asked from babysitters. Do not hesitate to raise more questions and most importantly, listen to the answers carefully to make sure you are choosing the right person for the job.

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Why Babysitters Are The Best Childcare Provider

A babysitters is a good childcare provider. But most often, babysitting is more than just watching the children. Aside from the extra pair of hands you get from hiring a babysitter, a lot of responsibilities are performed.

You Get to Take A Break

Taking care of your toddler can halt your life. If you have not been out of the house for weeks, hiring a babysitter can benefit you. Babysitting services gives you a breather from all the hassle and buzzle of parenthood. A sitter allows you me-time so you can go to your favorite salon or to a spa and have that much needed massage. Also, hiring a babysitter gives you and your husband some couple time so the two of you can go out to dinner and watch a Broadway show. Not only do you get time away but it also helps strengthen you and your spouse’s marriage.

You Are Secured of Your Toddler’s Welfare

If you are a working mom, then you know how heartbreaking it feels to leave your toddler at home while you work. But, once you know your young one is under the care of a good sitter, all your worries go away. You are comforted by the thought that your toddler is safe, happy and well taken care of. So if in case you need to do overtime work or have dinner with your business associates, you no longer have to worry how your toddler is doing, if he has eaten his meal or if he has completed his homework.

Improves Your Toddler’s People Skills

Temporary separation trains your little one how to interact with other individuals. Exposing your child to different people aside from his parents and siblings enable him to learn how to adapt, adjust, respect and coordinate with others. A babysitter is a good instrument in helping your toddler establish long lasting relationships. Plus, he gets to experience a change in his everyday routine which teaches your toddler how to have fun no matter where he goes and who he is with.

Provides Variety

A competent babysitter is a good influence to your toddler. The sitter can give a diversity of influence which can promote your little one’s development. If your babysitter has a strong French-speaking influence, she can teach your toddler how to converse in French giving him the opportunity to learn different languages early in his life which he can utilize in the future.

Lightens Your Work Load

With your busy schedule, looking after your toddler and doing household chores can be impossible to balance. If your house is quite messy and needs a little cleaning, your babysitter can also perform light housekeeping tasks. A sitter will always clean up toys, dishes, utensils or other items that are used during babysitting. She can cook lunch and dinner, bathe your toddler and see to it he sleeps before his bedtime.

Easier Transition

A new environment may scare your toddler. Having a babysitter helps your toddler adjust at a more comfortable pace. He will no longer feel scared and anxious over the abrupt changes. Since your toddler knows he is in a safe haven, he is more open to have someone else take care of him. Plus, it is easier to keep illnesses at bay as compared to day care centers wherein viruses can be easily passed on from child to child.


Find the best local care at Sittercity.com

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The Basics of Babysitting Jobs

Babysitting is a huge responsibility. Hiring a good babysitter is a bigger obligation in ensuring a toddler’s welfare. Therefore, it is important that both the parents and the babysitter recognize how babysitting jobs work.

Qualifications of A Babysitter

  • A babysitter must be at least 18 years old.
  • Has a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certificate.
  • Is capable of working between 5 to 7 in the evening or basically until the parents come home again.
  • Can work on weekends if necessary.
  • Knows basic child care skills – cooking, feeding, bathing, tooth brushing and other bed time rituals

A Babysitter’s Obligations

Take Care of Children

A babysitter’s primary job is to watch over a family’s children for a few hours. Each babysitter’s task is different depending on the age of a child, his needs and the parenting style of parents. For infants, a sitter needs to change diapers, feed, let the baby burp, carry the baby, wash baby bottles, put the infant to sleep and watch over the baby. For toddlers and preschoolers, responsibilities include – driving a toddler to his swimming practice, grocery shopping, making dinner, helping a toddler with his homework, fixing him a snack and putting him to sleep.

Keep Toddlers Safe

Parents assign their children to babysitters because they know they can trust them with their child’s welfare. A babysitter must know general rules like – not letting strangers in, checking the windows before opening the front door, making sure the doors are securely locked and performing basic first aid. A sitter must also have a list of emergency numbers handy such as the parents’ and the relatives cell phone numbers, 911, hospital, fire department and Poison Control Center.

Knowing how to perform proper CPR is also a prerequisite especially when a toddler is unconscious or is having an asthma attack. The ambulance can take quite some time so wasting a single minute is not an option.

Follow Particular Requests of Parents

Parents can be finicky with rules especially when it involves their child. Some parents may require a babysitter to follow through the family’s bedtime routine. Hence, it is essential that the sitter should have convincing skills to persuade a child to go to bed and stay in bed. Or, they may ask a sitter to come up with a daily plan that layouts a babysitter’s activities for their little one. For a toddler needing special attention, it is a must that the babysitter is capable of helping their child with his physical disability.

Know How to Manage Time and Multi-task

Caring for toddlers is never an easy task. With a ravenous energy and a never ending thirst for action, babysitter’s often get stressed out. Thus, a good babysitter must be able to manage complicated obligations. A sitter needs to balance cooking a toddler’s meal while keeping the young one entertained.

A Babysitter’s Limitations

No Physical and Emotional Abuse

Toddlers are prone to misbehaving. At times like this, staying calm is the best solution for both parties. A sitter should never scold and shout. Spanking and hitting are a big no-no. The best way to reprimand a toddler is by talking in a cool and firm manner. Giving a time-out is also effective. Behavioral issues must be addressed to the parents so they can give proper disciplinary measures.

No House Visits

Most often, toddlers are put at risk because babysitter’s invite friends to come over the house without the parents consent. This is a sign of unprofessionalism. Plus, it puts the child’s well-being in danger.


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Five Qualities to Watch For When Looking For A Babysitter

Ensuring your toddler gets the best childcare he deserves is imperative especially when you need to leave your child to someone else’s care for work. A babysitter can do the job. When choosing one, how will you know if you are hiring the best? Most often, finding the right person can be tricky. But, when you know how to spot excellent qualities, a sitter can be a real asset to your family.

Your toddler’s security is of your utmost concern. Hence, rushing to find any babysitter available only puts your toddler’s welfare at risk. The secret to hiring the best is to be observant and open-minded. When looking for a babysitter, keep in mind the following qualities.

Top Five Qualities of A Babysitter

A good babysitter must…

Be Able to Adapt

There is nothing more terrifying than a babysitter who lets your toddler wander by himself into the backyard while she is busy talking on the phone. A good babysitter must be capable of adapting to your house rules and family routines, someone who follows your disciplinary technique instead of changing them and making up her own style.

Since the sitter will be the one who takes charge of the household while you are away, a babysitter should be able to know how to bond with the family. Someone who can connect with every family member can most likely support your value system as well.

Be Responsible

Maturity is another essential quality a good babysitter must possess regardless of age. The sitter must be able to have a sense of urgency, meaning, someone who knows what to do during uncalled circumstances and is capable of giving first aid help. If she stays calm and patient when under pressure, then that is a good telltale sign. She must be capable of owning up to her mistakes and overseeing your toddler’s health and well-being. You can easily detect this quality by simply evaluating her answers to your queries. Observe her lifestyle, if she still goes to school, works at home or provides assistance to her family. Making a house visit to your prospective sitter is advised.

Exercise Promptness

A sitter who is on time or is at least 5 to 15 minutes early asserts you that she is a punctual and responsible individual. Tardiness must be kept to a minimum and the babysitter must have a valid reason for her lateness.

Have Good Rapport With Your Toddler

You know your little one has found his perfect match when he squeals with delight whenever the sitter is around. It is essential that your toddler and his babysitter understand each other. She must enjoy being around children and be able to communicate with your child in a clear, prompt and easy-to-follow manner.

Have Excellent References

Finally, a good babysitter must be in demand. Meaning, she must have an extensive recommendation from previous employers. Even if a sitter is young, if she is greatly suggested, then most probably she is an experienced, dependable and honest babysitter. Ask your relatives, co-workers and neighbors for a list of babysitters they have hired.

Keep these five qualities in mind when you start searching for a babysitter. So even if you are away from home, you know your toddler is safe giving you peace of mind.


Find the perfect sitter at Sittercity.com

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How to Find A Good Babysitter to Ensure Your Toddler’s Safety

Your toddler’s childcare is of utmost importance especially during times when you are away. It is already disheartening to leave your toddler, and the thought of having a stranger watch over your little one is frightening. That is why, finding a good and reliable babysitter is very important.

If you and your husband made plans to go on a date or you want to spend some alone time, hiring someone dependable to watch over your toddler need not be a daunting task. As long as you follow simple childcare rules, finding a great babysitter who can work well with you and ensure your toddler’s safety will be a breeze. Here is a simple and easy to follow guideline on how to find a good babysitter.

Tips For Choosing The Best Sitter For Your Toddler

Widen Your Search

You can submit an ad in your area’s local newspaper or put up an ad in your area’s website. Ask your relatives and friends for help. Most probably they can refer you to seasoned babysitters. To further expand your search, try looking into websites that have babysitter matching services. These tools will help you find excellent candidates.

Consider The Age

Figure out your age preference, whether you prefer to hire a teen babysitter or an adult sitter. Generally, teen babysitters have more affordable rates but are more prone to letting friends and strangers come inside the house while you are away. To help you out, meet his or her parents. This will give you a better idea of the sitter’s personality. Adult babysitters on the other hand are more experienced but can clash with your style of childcare. It is best to check with the local police department to see if there is a minimum age requirement in your area.

Look For Experience

You do not want to hire someone who is still new at babysitting right? It is important that you choose a babysitter who has experience. Select a sitter with a previous background of toddler childcare.

Ask For References

Referrals are the best way to help you determine whether a babysitter is fit or unfit to take care of your toddler. Once you have gathered possible prospects, always make sure you ask for recommendations. Keep in mind that a trustworthy babysitter will have an extensive babysitting experience as well as positive feedbacks from previous employers. Confirm each recommendation the sitter has provided you with and double check the reviews by contacting every parent indicated in the list.

Conduct An Interview

The best way to learn about your babysitter is by having an interview. This will give you an idea on how well the sitter can connect with your family and your schedule. Ask the sitter basic questions like – what will you do if someone knocks on the door? What will you do if there is an emergency? Do you know who to contact in case of emergency? These questions will help you determine how capable the babysitter is especially during times of trouble.

Also, ask about the sitter’s discipline techniques. You need to discuss this important subject to make sure that your toddler is safe and treated well. Ask about the babysitter’s favored methods and manner of work like nap time, sleep schedules, snacks, playtime and other activities that make up your toddler’s day.

Hold A Trial Period

Invite the babysitter to come to your house. Watch closely as your toddler and the babysitter interact with each other. This serves as a good basis to check if your little one likes his sitter. This will also help you confirm how capable the babysitter is.

When finding a babysitter for your toddler, always choose someone your toddler likes. In this way, you are confident and secure that your child and the sitter will have a good relationship.


Find the perfect sitter at Sittercity.com

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