5 Tips For Finding a Great Babysitter

Finding and keeping a great babysitter isn't an easy task. But, if you have kiddos, it's a must-have for a successful and consistent dating life with your spouse.

Try these five ideas for finding a great babysitter in your area.

How do I find a GREAT babysitter?

1. Determine qualifications. 

Sit down with your spouse and decide what qualifications are necessary for you to find in a good sitter.

• Do you prefer female over male, or does it not matter?
• Do they have to be able to drive?
  
• Do you prefer older or younger? 
• Do you require a background check?
• Do you want it to be someone you've known for a while?
• Do they have to be CPR certified?

2. Ask around.

There are plenty of people to talk to about babysitters.  If you feel you're running out of ideas, try a few of these:

• Talk to all of your friends and ask them who they use for babysitters.
• When you are at the park, ask other parents who they would recommend.
• Talk to youth leaders at the local churches and ask if any of the youth are interested in babysitting.
• Check the classifieds section in your local newspaper or community magazine.
• Talk to child development teachers at the middle school and high school.
• Put out a facebook plea to all your friends in the area.
• Search the internet on reputable sites like: www.enannysource.com and www.care.com.

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3. Meet your potential sitters (aka, interview them!)

Interview your to-be babysitters in a casual atmosphere. Call them up and invite them to meet you at the park or at your home - somewhere you can comfortably introduce them to your kids. 

See how they interact with the kids. Talk to them about how much they charge per hour, and how much advanced notice they prefer before sitting. Explain what your expectations are for them (cell phone and computer usage, friends over, rules and guidelines you set, etc). See if they are a good fit.

(FYI - Sometimes younger teenagers, who can't drive yet, are the BEST babysitters, so don't overlook age if someone is mature and has a lot of experience.)

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4. Don't overlook the older couple next door!

You know the ones I'm talking about. Yes, your next door neighbors who are in their late sixties who spend a lot of time watering their plants and going on walks.  It may surprise you how willing they are to come hang out at your home while you and your spouse go on a date. Yes, "Grandma and Grandpa," next door may become your favorite babysitters, ever!


5. Do a couple swap!

Talk to your friends-with-kids (FWK) and see if they would be up for a regular babysitting swap. You could take their kids every Friday, and they could take yours on Saturday. Or, you could switch off every other week. This option is great for those looking to save a little moola on babysitting, or for those who just feel more comfortable having someone they know, and trust, watch their kids.

Finding a great babysitter isn't easy, but just remember - once you find one you like, keep them!  Call them regularly and pay them enough to keep them coming back!

Your kids will be happy. Your babysitter will be happy. And your marriage will be happy.

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