Parents’ night out
Finding the right babysitter

Babysitting seems straightforward to most people&until they become parents. Whether they want to go out for a date night or they have work functions to attend, parents looking to hire a babysitter, especially for the first time, might not know where to begin.

Karen Hughes, owner of Almost As Good As Mum, a nanny agency in Vancouver, and a mom herself, has seen it all.

“It’s natural to feel anxious no matter who is looking after your child,” Hughes says, adding that it’s important to do your research before hiring someone, and that you can never take too many precautions when it comes to your children.

“Parents should talk to the babysitter’s former employers. They will feel less nervous about leaving their child with that person and will actually enjoy their time out.”

Where to start

Babysitter Checklist You found the right person to watch your children. Now for the checklist to leave with her while you’re out.      - Write down your cell phone number and the contact information of a close friend or neighbour should there be an emergency.       - Write down your address, and tell your sitter to use the land line, not a cellphone, if she needs to call for emergency assistance.      - List any medical conditions that affect your kids plus the medication with the dosage and time schedule should the babysitter need to administer any.       - Provide the babysitter with a flashlight and a first-aid kit if she doesn’t have her own. The Canadian Red Cross recommends that teenagers have their own babysitting kit that includes basic items such as first-aid supplies, arts and crafts supplies, children activity books, and a cell phone. More details are at redcross.ca.

Some people know neighbours and coworkers with teenage kids who are willing to babysit. There are also babysitting agencies. No matter who you choose, make sure they have certain certifications, such as a babysitting course (offered by the Canadian Red Cross, for example).

If you use an agency, be ready to ask about the checks they do on prospective babysitters. Reputable agencies always do a criminal-record and a driver’s licence check, Hughes says.

Safety should always come first when dealing with children, and it’s a good idea for babysitters to have first-aid and CPR training.

Some parents are lucky enough to have family members who are willing to babysit.

“We always tried to get help from family members and close friends,” says Linda Hunter, a mom of two. “We used babysitters’ services only after the kids were verbal, and later on we took turns with family friends watching each others’ kids.”

Once her children could talk, Hunter explains, it helped them better communicate with the babysitter, plus it made it easier for her to get a sense of her kids’ experience with the sitter.

Be it family, friends, or a babysitter watching your child, Hughes points out, it’s easier to start when she is still a baby, so that she gets used to spending time with someone else. Expect toddlers to have a harder time letting go of their parents, especially if they have never been left alone with a new person.

Getting acquainted
“It is very important that prospective babysitters spend at least one hour with the family, at their home, before the actual babysitting,” Hughes says. It gives your child a chance to meet the babysitter and get to know her, and you a chance to see them interact, she explains. The extra hour, usually paid for by the parents, also allows you to talk to the babysitter about what’s expected of her and what the family routines are.

If you live next door to a great babysitter who is available when you need him, count your lucky

Secrets of babysitting a toddler Let’s face it: babysitting a toddler can be intimidating. They can turn from sweet to grumpy in no time. Here are some tips on how to keep them happy.      - Make sock puppets for impromptu plays.      - Bring out the finger paints and make handprints.      - Invite them to read a book when they seem tired.      - Offer healthy snacks&happy faces made out of fruit shapes will do - when they become irritable.

stars. Children who form a bond with their caregivers tend to behave better and feel less anxious when their parents are away. It’s less worrisome for the parents, too.

Ideally, Hughes says, an agency will try to provide the same babysit ter to a family, especially if the parents’ engagements are regular, such as weekly dinner outings. Treat your babysitter well and with respect. The child-babysitter bond is important, but so is the one between the parents and the sitter.

To share or not to share?
You’ve found a great babysitter. Children love her, she always tidies up after the kids go to bed, and she is available whenever you need her. Should you tell your mom friends about her?

Hughes laughs as she answers the question. “Many parents don’t. A good babysitter is very valuable, and they worry that they may lose her to other families. Unless you are a really close friend, you might not get that phone number.”

When it comes to child care, parents want the best person for the job. Sharing is nice, but sometimes you have to admit to your friends that great babysitters are hard to come by.

 

 

The Canadian Red Cross offers its Babysitting Course to adolescents 11 years and older. From feeding to changing diapers to dealing with medical emergencies, teenagers learn important childcare and first-aid skills. The course is available through many schools and community centres.

By: Daniela Ginta. Daniela Ginta, MSc, is a freelance writer from Vancouver, BC. Most of her time is spent with her boys and the rest is divided between writing, teaching, and reading.

Source: Blush Issue #3.