Evaluating a Babysitter

When you first talk with the babysitter, ask for references. Those are now people you will both know, and the babysitter will know that making big mistakes with your children can get back to these people through you. Be sure to call these people and ask all the toughest questions you can think of and write down and follow up on any unusual responses with the references with whom you are speaking. You may also wish to ask about some of these responses when you get the chance to converse with the babysitter.

Give yourself plenty of time to talk with the babysitter. See if you get any gut feelings as to whether anything is amiss with this person. Intuition can often be the best indicator as to whether something is wrong. Ask questions about his hobbies and goals. Ask him why he babysits and to describe both the worst and the best children he has ever babysat, and note whether he goes on at length about the worst and hardly mentions the best. Ask his opinion on drugs and alcohol outright and watch his response. It's much easier being direct than trying to guess whether or not your babysitter is an addict. Also notice the words he uses to describe the child and make sure they're not derogatory. Also ask your babysitter if he's been in an emergency situation and how he handled it.

Notice what kinds of things your babysitter asks you. It is probably a very good sign if your babysitter is thorough about finding out about how to please you and the children. If she has the chance, perhaps she'll ask about specifics on how to prepare meals or routines for putting the children in bed. Hopefully, she'll ask about emergency contact information if you haven't already given it to her. Watch how she first interacts with the children, whether she talks excitedly to the children or just sits down and reads a book (you'll want a babysitter who actually watches the children since that's what you're paying the babysitter to do). Keep in mind how experienced your babysitter is, and give her time to learn if she's new to this, but remember that you do have the right to a good quality service and everything should turn out alright!