O Babysitter, Wherefore Art Thou?

Finding a great babysitter isn't easy, but knowing where to look is the first step. Credit: sxc.hu

By Amy L. Hatch

I was gainfully employed by a Large Multinational Corporation when my daughter was born, and my initial plan was to work from home three days a week after her birth.

I found a sitter after several disastrous interviews and try-outs. One girl made my daughter cry every time she looked at her. Another started at her blankly, while my girl just started back. Finally, Elizabeth came into our lives.

She came into the house and immediately asked if she could hold Emmie. Then she asked me, when the baby started to fuss, if she’d discovered her thumb yet. Elizabeth stuck her finger in Emmie’s open mouth and smiled as my girl clamped down and began to suck.

Leaving Elizabeth behind was hard.

Since then, we’ve had a series of babysitters, some great and some really, really awful. We’re settled in with a lovely angel of a girl now, and my hope is that she never, ever leaves.

Like, ever.

Along the way I learned some valuable lessons about hiring sitters, be it for a regular schedule of childcare or just for occasional date nights or doctor’s appointments. I’m here to tell you, moms, it is possible to find a great sitter right here in Chambana.

Where Do I Start?
OK, you need a sitter. So where do you look? Start with the UIUC job board. Anyone can create an employer account, and this is a great source of eager co-eds who love kids and need to work.

We also suggest Craigslist. Yes, Craigslist. One of the best babysitters I ever had came from Craigslist (Bethany, I’m looking at you).  Parkland College is a good place to look, as well.

There are also national Web sites, like Sittercity.com and Care.com, both of which allow you to sort through potential candidates by location. You can see their photo, experience and the number of references they have before you ever contact them. However, these sites are not free, so be prepared to pay for a membership.

Crafting Your Ad

Moms, be clear. Want your sitter to empty the dishwasher while Junior naps? Looking for someone who will read to your baby and play with her, too? Be upfront with your expectations, including the all-important schedule, when you craft your ad.

Take it from me, being honest and forthcoming from the get-go will prevent headaches later.

The All-Important Interview

So you have a few candidates. Have them over to your home for an interview, and be sure that your child is home and awake when the potential sitter arrives.

Ask the basics: experience, references, safety training. But you might also want to ask if the sitter has experience bathing kids, preparing meals—and for the love of Pete, ask her/him if he/she can change a diaper.

Seriously. Take it from me.

Don’t forget to ask about rates. The national average is $13, but I’ve found most babysitters will accept $10 an hour as a reasonable fee.

Sittercity.com has a super list of interview questions, as well, and it is in your best interest to prepare yourself in advance of the interview.

Trial Run

If you’re still nervous or if this is your Very First Babysitter Ever, you may want to consider a trial run. Ask your candidate to come over and spend time with your child(ren) while you are in the home. Stay out of their hair, but stay close enough so you can observe how he/she interacts with your kids.

Don’t Be Discouraged

If one sitter doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to start again. Chemistry is a funny thing, and sometimes it takes a couple tries to find The Right One.

Now excuse me while I go and hug my babysitter.

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