9 Questions To Ask Your Babysitter

Know 9 Questions To Ask Your Babysitter – Babysitters are a great resource for busy parents seeking a break for themselves or a date night. They can provide reliable childcare at a time of your choosing, as long as you take the time to screen them. Babysitters are also a good resource for parents wanting to monitor a child’s activities and share concerns with their babysitter.

Before hiring a Babysitter in Singapore it is important to ask her some questions. Read on!

Questions to ask when hiring a babysitter

1. Do you have references?

This will ensure that your babysitter has worked professionally with children before. References can be checked and proved that they are true. This way you know what to expect when she is watching your child. In addition, it is just good to know that someone else knows your babysitter and can vouch for her.

2. What is your style of discipline?

Discipline styles can vary from person to person, so it is important to have a general idea of the way your babysitter approaches disciplining a child. This will give you an advantage because now you know how she will discipline your child if need be. Knowing this will prevent misunderstandings in the future and help build a better relationship between you and your babysitter.

3. Are you certified in CPR?

You would never want to take a chance on your child’s safety by hiring an uncertified babysitter. Make sure the sitter is certified in CPR, as well as first aid, before allowing her to watch your kids! She should have these certifications from a reliable source such as the Red Cross or St. John Ambulance. Asking for a copy of the certificate or card is another good way to verify certification.

4. Are you comfortable with children?

This question can be particularly important when hiring a babysitter for someone other than yourself. If you are hiring a babysitter to care for a grandchild, you want to be sure she has experience caring for other children in addition to yours. You may be uncomfortable with the idea of leaving your child with someone who is not comfortable with children.

5. What are your hobbies?

This question gives you insight into what the babysitter does when she is not watching children. Knowing this information can help you establish a rapport with your sitter. If you have similar interests, she may be easier to relate to! It can also give the child some ideas of things to do with the sitter should she be nervous about staying with someone new. The best babysitter for your family is just a few questions away!

6. Are you comfortable with pets?

If you have a dog or cat, it is important to make sure that your sitter is comfortable caring for them. It might be an issue if your pet does not like other people. It is also important to ask which animals she is comfortable with working in case you have exotic pets.

7. What is your training?

This question will help you know what the babysitter has been trained to do and how experienced the sitter is. This information may also give you a better idea of what kind of homework the sitter has done before coming over and taking care of your child.

8. How did you feel when you took care of a child?

This question will help you evaluate her experience and ability to care for children. It is best to find out how well she knows the child on whom she is hired. With this information in hand, you will be able to tell if she has the experience necessary to take care of your child or if there are some things you need to teach him.

9. Do you have any special needs like allergies or sensitivities?

It can be very easy for a babysitter who does not know about these things to make mistakes that might affect your child’s well-being (i.e., moving toys and dirty hands). Knowing about any allergies or sensitivities in advance will help you prepare for possible situations and avoid conflict.

Best tips to use when hiring a babysitter

1. Use a babysitter referral service

Most parents like to save time and money by hiring a babysitter that they have found through a personal recommendation or online babysitter search. But, without conducting an interview first, it is impossible to know if the sitter you selected is up to the job!

Hiring a babysitter using an online babysitter referral service will provide you with more information about your potential babysitter’s experience and qualifications. If you want to avoid the hassle of meeting her face-to-face and conducting an interview, look for a babysitter who provides qualified referrals.

2. Check references

Credit checks and criminal background checks are available for most babysitters. Do not assume the babysitter you hire will be a “good” one just because she has no criminal record. Take the time to investigate past behavioral problems before hiring a babysitter, and confirm the references provided by the sitter. If you choose to hire a sitter who does not provide references, make sure that you check her references with at least two other trustworthy individuals!

3. Meet in a public place

It is important that you meet your babysitter face-to-face to feel safe about leaving your child in her care. He may not tell you there is something wrong, but it is better to be forewarned than caught unaware. Do not hire a babysitter you do not trust, and make sure that she does not intimidate or scare your child. If possible, meet with the sitter in a public place such as a park or coffee shop.

4. Hire a sitter with prior experience

Nothing is more important than the safety of your child. Find out exactly what kind of experience your sitter has with babies before he reaches your home. Taking the time to ask these questions will allow you to make an informed decision, and can save you from making a mistake!

5. Always trust your gut feeling

Before you even meet the babysitter, take some time to reflect on whether or not she seems like someone who might be able to take care of your baby. If you feel like she does not have the skills or experience to care for your child, there is nothing that will change your mind. Do not hire a babysitter that you do not feel comfortable with.