43 Words: 8 What to look for when Choosing a Babysitter

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Nothing is more precious than your children. Thus it is with utmost care that you should choose a babysitter. It is vital that you find someone responsible and competent who will diligently watch over his or her youthful charges. The following are qualities to look for in a babysitter.
1. They should watch the children well
First and foremost, you want to make sure that you trust them with your children. Many young children can get into trouble in a matter of moments. The babysitter must be diligent about keeping them always within their sights. They should be able to perform the duties of a caretaker such as correctly diapering (if applicable), feeding them and providing a responsible presence for the children. Obviously, you do not want to find anyone who could possibly harm your child or be neglectful of them. You want to trust that they will watch after them constantly. You want to know that they will stay with them and not talk on the phone or have someone over while the child is not watched properly.
2. They should be punctual
If you have a reservation for a dinner or a show at a certain time, you do not want to be pacing at the front door, wondering whether your babysitter will make it on time. You want to make sure that you find someone who is punctual. Obviously, things can happen to anyone, but for the most part they should be on time. You also want to find someone who will not constantly cancel on you.
3. You want to make sure that they are a good influence on the children
Even if they mean well, you want to make sure that they are a good influence on the children. Sometimes people get babysitters who are still children themselves, and that is all right if they can set a good example. You do not want someone who will motivate the children to do something irresponsible. The babysitter should be careful about what they say near the children. You do not want the children to get bad influences from a babysitter.
4. Do they have good availability?
You might want to look for something that will be available a good portion of the time. Obviously, most people will not be always available, but it might be good if you can find someone that is often available to baby-sit. You do not want to feel like you are constantly searching for someone else because your babysitter is never free.
5. They can handle themselves in an emergency
This is vital. In the unlikely case that an emergency happens, you want someone who will know what to do and how to protect your children. You want someone who will be able to deal with the situation and not panic, leaving your children to fend for themselves. Even if it is simply knowing to dial 911 and get the children out of the house in case of a fire or other event, that is enough. You do not need a hero; you need someone who will not panic.
6. They won’t give in to the kids
Especially if your children have strong personalities, you don’t want a babysitter who will let your kids get away with anything. They should know what the kids are allowed to do and be able to stick to that. You do not want to come home only to find your children up past their bedtime, eating a bowl of ice cream and watching an adult movie.
7. You should trust them in your house
An absolute must is trusting your babysitter in your house. They will have access to many of your possessions. You do not want to feel that you need to lock away every little thing. Were they to swipe something, it would be difficult to prove and you might not even notice for a while. You do not want to feel that they might steal from you.
8. You should trust that they will not have uninvited guests
You do not want your babysitter to have her boyfriend over if she is supposed to be watching the children alone. You certainly do not want her to have a party. You should trust that she will only bring into the house people who are pre-approved by you.
9. The should spend time with the children
You do not want someone who is going to plop the children in front of the television and then go off do her own thing (unless this is what you want, of course). She should spend time with the children. You can leave fun activities for them to do.
10. The children should enjoy being with them
You do not want your children to hate the babysitter. Many children love their babysitters and look forward to them coming over as special friends. Try to find such a person.
11. They should follow your instructions
They should follow what you say to do. You should write down instructions, and they should adhere to them, especially those that relate directly to the children. Some of the instructions may be very important, and you want them to do what you wish.
It is important to use care when choosing a babysitter. Consider the above points when selecting such a person.
Updated On: 03/09/2010 Published On: 03/09/2010 What to look for when choosing a college