Hiring a Babysitter - 9 Important Steps
Nowadays, raising kids while working in a 9 to 5 job or any other job that requires the parents to be away from home is a painful reality.
Much as most parents would like to spend a lot of time with their children especially when the little ones are growing, this is simply not possible anymore.
Hiring a babysitter, therefore, presents itself as one of the necessities of growing families.
Here are 9 steps that will help you choose the best babysitter available for you.
Know what you really need from a babysitter- spell out the characteristics you want (for example: non-smoker, with no family of her own, etc.
).
You may also wish to specify the age bracket she must belong to and the amount of experience she has had in taking care of children, etc.
Spell out the duties and responsibilities.
It is never safe to assume that applicants know what they are expected to do.
They will be dealing with your kids hence, it would be to your and your child's best interest that the nanny knows what is expected of her.
Know your budget and how much the market pays for a good nanny.
This will allow you to properly leverage yourself to get the best nanny available for the budget you have set.
You can also make a list of non-monetary benefits you can afford to give her - extra days-off, a cellphone, free lunch and or dinner, etc.
These can serve as bargaining tools when your choice nanny is negotiating for a rate that's higher than your budget.
Tap your existing networks - friends, relatives, office mates, fellow members at the local gym club, etc.
, are good sources for referrals.
Referrals should be most welcome especially if they are from people you know.
If you need to get a nanny through the services of an employment agency, be sure to check on the background of the agency itself.
Ask around from people who have sought out their services.
Some agencies are notorious for being fly-by-night institutions who are only out to make a quick buck.
Check the nannies' background and do actually talk with their previous employers and the children whose care was entrusted to them.
Check with local authorities, too, just to be sure that applicants have no dubious records.
Be sure that the applicants do not have any health issues.
Ask for a health clearance from each one of them.
Establish their compatibility with your child.
Some good nannies would not go along well even with good children.
Ask the applicants to spend an hour or two with your kid and see who best fits the role as your baby's caretaker.
Make the impression that you are the best employer available for her.
Be professional, and treat the applicants well.
Make them feel that they will be treated with respect during their contract with you.
A babysitter should have your trust and confidence and should allow you to go to work without having to worry about your child's safety and well-being.
These nine steps not only ensure your success in getting the best babysitter available for your child they would also allow you to have some peace of mind.
Much as most parents would like to spend a lot of time with their children especially when the little ones are growing, this is simply not possible anymore.
Hiring a babysitter, therefore, presents itself as one of the necessities of growing families.
Here are 9 steps that will help you choose the best babysitter available for you.
Know what you really need from a babysitter- spell out the characteristics you want (for example: non-smoker, with no family of her own, etc.
).
You may also wish to specify the age bracket she must belong to and the amount of experience she has had in taking care of children, etc.
Spell out the duties and responsibilities.
It is never safe to assume that applicants know what they are expected to do.
They will be dealing with your kids hence, it would be to your and your child's best interest that the nanny knows what is expected of her.
Know your budget and how much the market pays for a good nanny.
This will allow you to properly leverage yourself to get the best nanny available for the budget you have set.
You can also make a list of non-monetary benefits you can afford to give her - extra days-off, a cellphone, free lunch and or dinner, etc.
These can serve as bargaining tools when your choice nanny is negotiating for a rate that's higher than your budget.
Tap your existing networks - friends, relatives, office mates, fellow members at the local gym club, etc.
, are good sources for referrals.
Referrals should be most welcome especially if they are from people you know.
If you need to get a nanny through the services of an employment agency, be sure to check on the background of the agency itself.
Ask around from people who have sought out their services.
Some agencies are notorious for being fly-by-night institutions who are only out to make a quick buck.
Check the nannies' background and do actually talk with their previous employers and the children whose care was entrusted to them.
Check with local authorities, too, just to be sure that applicants have no dubious records.
Be sure that the applicants do not have any health issues.
Ask for a health clearance from each one of them.
Establish their compatibility with your child.
Some good nannies would not go along well even with good children.
Ask the applicants to spend an hour or two with your kid and see who best fits the role as your baby's caretaker.
Make the impression that you are the best employer available for her.
Be professional, and treat the applicants well.
Make them feel that they will be treated with respect during their contract with you.
A babysitter should have your trust and confidence and should allow you to go to work without having to worry about your child's safety and well-being.
These nine steps not only ensure your success in getting the best babysitter available for your child they would also allow you to have some peace of mind.
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