How to Deal with a Child's Babysitter Complaints

Everyone needs to leave their child in the care of others at times, whether it is for school or to go out with your spouse. It is critical you assess the care people provide your child, and lay out clear expectations on how you expect him to be treated and disciplined. If your child complains about his babysitter, follow these steps to determine the appropriate action.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Contact information of others who have used the babysitter

1. Talk to your child to get a better understanding of what the issues are. It may be a case of the babysitter enforcing rules you had laid out, and your child is rebelling against those rules. However, if your child says he feels uncomfortable with the babysitter, or gives you specific examples which you believe shouldn't happen you must take this seriously and follow up.

2. Meet with the babysitter to discuss your child's complaints. Pose questions to determine the reality of the situation such as how she reacts when your child misbehaves. Tell her how you would handle those situations with your child, she may just not have understood.

3. Observe the babysitter with your child and other children. Schedule your sitter to come early and take your time getting ready so you can see how your child and sitter are interacting.

4. Ask other parents who have used this babysitter what their children thought. Gauge if there may have been similar complaints by any of those children.

5. Surprise your child and babysitter with unexpected visits. Try to not make your presence immediately known. When you choose to make a surprise visit, leave the garage door open, a door unlocked, or window open and uncovered so you can observe them without being seen or heard.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decided to continue using the babysitter, continue to monitor her with your child until you feel comfortable everything is going well.
• If you do not personally know any parents who have used your sitter, ask the babysitter for reference names and numbers and follow up by contacting those people.
• If you are unsure of what is happening when you are away, but sure your child is not being harmed, try purchasing equipment to record what goes on in your home where it is not obvious (a nanny cam).
• Never leave your child with someone they do not feel comfortable with. Trust your instincts. If there is even a possibility of harm to your child with this babysitter, stop using this person and find someone new.
• Do not assume because the babysitter is a family member or friend that nothing is going on. Follow these steps no matter who your child is complaining about.