I have been getting many emails, since my comments aren't working at the moment, about how to find a good babysitter. It took me a long time for me to get the five that I have. I'll give you my helpful places.
The first ever babysitter I had when "N" was almost two years old, I actually got from "The Hubby's" co-worker. The girl was amazing and "N" loved her to bits but after the co-worker quit we couldn't use her and that bummed me out. I went a long time without a babysitter. One time I went to my doctor's office and his nurse get me her two daughters numbers, don't ever do that. The mom and girls were kind of crazy and I didn't care for it.
Another way to find sitters is in your neighborhood. Ask around to see if there are any girls that are looking for a babysitting job and if they are any good. I had one from my neighborhood, she was good but she wasn't the kind that says no to the kids and when she finally did say no that they went into their fit.
I found one on Craigslist and she was good and is becoming a teacher but since we've moved I can't use her since we live so far away. The best places really that I have found are either at church or from Babysitters.com. I have two girls from a church that I use once in a while but the rest I have found from babysitters.com. You do have to pay a fee I forget how much but I think it's worth it. You can purchase a background check on each candidate as well.
I know that there was a Craigslist murder the other day but I have only used one from there and like I said I got really lucky with her. You do have to take precautions while checking out the sitter.
My suggestions are:
- Meet with the babysitter and have them hang out you with and your kids, to make sure you guys mesh well.
- Ask and check references.
- If possible, try to purchase a background check.
Now I'm not endorsing one way or the other for where to find babysitters. I know what worked for me and now I have a place to go when I need a sitter.
You just have to search around but here are the ways that I found good sitters, in order of MY favorite:
Please take every precaution when interviewing girls for you new babysitter. Be sure to ask questions, I will be adding those soon. I'm not really a fan of girls under the age of 16 years old. Girls younger than that are still a little unsure and may not be able to discipline your child when needed. But then again you may find a younger one that can handle that kind of responsibility.
Note that you could be paying a pretty penny for a sitter. My sitters range from $7-$12/hr. At that price I should be a sitter (but I won't). Have fun looking and don't be afraid to spend money on babysitter search places or background checks.
Happy hunting!!