Looking for a baby sitter - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/15/2007 06:30:42 PM · #1

This is for the parents out there that have hired a babysitter to come to their house and watch their kids.

With all the weirdo's out there how do you (or I) find a good baby sitter???

Jammur

Nikon D300

04/15/2007 06:34:49 PM · #2

I used to use the police chief's daughter, he lived across the street.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/15/2007 06:42:11 PM · #3

The teenage daughter of someone you know well.

Word-of-Mouth is a good way to find a babysitter, but some parents are loathe to give out the name of their best sitter because they want them to themselves.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/15/2007 06:52:30 PM · #4

Well considering that everyone I know doesn't that is close to me like that has kids about the same age as mine if not younger. And family is out of the question because the nearest relative lives 500 miles away.

maxaz1

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

04/15/2007 06:56:07 PM · #5

Through the local high school and child care center. And there are agencies. But however you end up doing this, please make sure and screen carefully. Interview. ASk questions like, "What activities would you think appropriate for a x yr old?" More than once, the answers told me all I needed to know. Ask for references. Are the parents nearby? CPR trained? And there are often babysitting courses through a local organization, ie YMCA, high school, community college.

I always started with a new sitter for an hour or two, with me on the grounds, i.e., out of sight and earshot, but close enough to be be aware of interactions, how my kids reacted to the sitter, etc., and in case of a problem.

Good luck - be careful!

Edit to add - child development courses at the local community college or university may be a good source of sitters. You can post at the college or high school career center. I also sometimes asked about the sitter's grades in school (assuming she/he was a student. Also - younger siblings? If so, the potential sitter may have experience already.

Message edited by author 2007-04-15 18:59:54.

JeffDay

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/15/2007 07:01:13 PM · #6

Our rule is family only.......

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Pentax

04/15/2007 07:09:55 PM · #7

Originally posted by JeffDay:

Our rule is family only.......

yeah but I don't have family that can watch them. And

maxaz1I think I will post something at the local school and see what I come up with, thanks I didn't even think about that.

Artyste

Sony Ericsson W810i

04/15/2007 08:02:48 PM · #8

Originally posted by JeffDay:

Our rule is family only.......

Interesting rule, seeing as how a lot of abuse is perpetuated by family members.

To the OP, you just have to use your instincts, common sense, and make sure you interview and select someone that you are comfortable with. Good references, experience, and knowledge are things to look for.

Contrary to popular belief in the media.. There are far, FAR more really good people out there that take damn good care of kids, than there are "weirdos" as you put it.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/15/2007 08:09:16 PM · #9

Originally posted by Lowcivicman99:

Well considering that everyone I know doesn't that is close to me like that has kids about the same age as mine if not younger.

Then work out trades. They watch your kids for a few hours one weekend, you watch theirs the next weekend. Sure, it can be mayhem for those doing the watching, but the rewards are there.