How to Find a Great Babysitter

Finding a good babysitter can be easy, if you follow these simple steps!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   First, calculate what the going rate is for babysitters. Ask other parents; check on Craigslist; ask at local preschools.

2. 

   Second, ask around for recommendations. Ask other parents, church members, your pediatrician and any doctor who has young children of his/her own, your child's teacher, teachers at local preschools, co-workers, other parents at the playground near your house.

3. Third, contact the child development/education departments and also nursing schools at local universities and colleges. Graduate-level students often have flexible schedules and may be very interesting in a little extra cash. Some schools actually have job listings for child care and will help place students in positions.

4. 

   Fourth, meet with the babysitter prior to his/her first sitting job and discuss scheduling, pay, whether you will want the sitter to drive your kids, etc. Use this as an opportunity to see how the sitter interacts with the children -- how comfortable he/she is with kids generally and specifically with your kids!

Tips & Warnings

• As stated above, ALWAYS tip your sitter, even an extra dollar goes a long way to establishing loyalty!
• Ask for references if you don't hear of someone through a personal recommendation.
• Always ask for references!