| Safety first
guidelines for parents: |
 Being
able to take a break is something all parents require at times...
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| and
one way to achieve this, is by having a babysitter over occasionally
to mind your kids. Previously, finding a babysitter was no easy
chore, but now as a member of Phone a Babysitter.com this task
has become a little less daunting. Our database of local babysitters
has allowed you the opportunity to find the help you need, but
how do you determine if they are suitable for your children
and which safety issues will you need to consider. |
How
should I choose a babysitter?
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Babysitter's ages and skills can vary significantly. Deciding
on who could best serve your family's needs could be a difficult
choice. In many cases, developing relationships with more than
one babysitter is necessary to guarantee availability. To help
you with making these decisions, our staff has assembled a number
of valuable tips and suggestions. |
What
age should the babysitter be?
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The age of your children will be the determining factor to this
question. The younger they are, the older your babysitter should
be. Leaving a 14 year old who is new to the world of babysitting,
with a six month old baby, would not be advisable. She would
likely not have the necessary skills, but she may be the perfect
sitter if you have a five year old. You need to gauge the maturity
level of any babysitter you interview. If the babysitter is
young, question how much experience they have. Speaking with
their parents can also be a valuable source in determining their
capabilities and how much responsibility they can handle. |
The
babysitters personality:
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Is the personality of the babysitter compatible with the personality
of your kids?. Every household raises their children differently,
some parents prefer a more structured upbringing while others
allow their children to get away with a few more liberties.
Discipline could be a concern if the babysitter has a different
sense of how children should behave. We have suggested to our
babysitters, offering their services at no charge for a few
hours would allow everyone to become better acquainted prior
to assuming a scheduled babysitting job. If it is offered, this
will allow you the perfect opportunity to see how the kids get
along with the babysitter. If it is not offered, we still suggest
you hire the babysitter for a few hours to gauge the response.
Once you start hiring your babysitters on a regular basis, see
if your kids look forward to the babysitters arrival. Ask your
kids if there was any problems while you were out and if there
seems to be some issues, give the babysitter a chance to address
them. |
Check
those references:
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If a babysitter is capable of supplying you letters of reference,
or phone numbers from other parents who use their service, make
sure you follow up on them. Most parents would be glad to speak
to you and you're sure to gain significant insight into what
can be expected from the babysitter. Also be sure to ask plenty
of questions to address all your concerns. If a babysitter has
done a good job for you, make sure you reward them by writing
them a good reference letter, or possibly allow the babysitter
to leave your phone number with other parents who are interested
in speaking with past or present employers. References are very
important to them and you should give them a good one if they
deserve it. |
Is
training available:
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There are specifically designed courses available for babysitters
which can add significant skills to their resumes. The two courses
which should be completed as suggested to our babysitters, are
a nationally recognized babysitter and first aid course. If
the babysitter you are considering has already taken these courses,
great!. If not, perhaps you can offer your babysitter the opportunity
of attending these courses, by paying the costs involved. Either
way you will both come out winners. If you would like to have
us e-mail you a listing of course providers click
here. |
Safety
concerns:
|
Our members have told us, their number one priority is ensuring
the safety of everyone involved.
Our staff has listened to these concerns and has responded by
developing the Safety First Program to help address certain
safety issues. Below, you have three links to printable web
forms which can significantly assist you in reaching your safety
goals. We have promoted their use heavily with the babysitters,
but for this program to work, you must become involved. When
filled out, The three forms supply the babysitter the necessary
information they need to do their job professionally.
Click on each of the links, print out a few copies and have
them ready for your babysitter prior to leaving the home. If
the web forms do not open within sixty seconds, it's possible
you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
If this is the case, click on the following link to download
your free copy.
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| The
babysitter information sheet supplies contact information needed
by the babysitter in case of an emergency. Also listed, is specific
details about your children. |
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| The
home safety checklist, highlights area's within the home, which
could be a safety concern for the babysitter. Make sure you
ask the babysitter to arrive early enough to go over this list
with you and spare enough time in case they have any questions
before you must leave. |
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This form lists the house rules which are to be carried out
by the babysitter. Some of the subjects which are covered, include;
what time is bedtime for the kids, which meals or snacks can
be served as well as rules for the babysitter defining what
they can, or cannot do while in your home. |
Conclusions:
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Our Safety First Program is a work in progress, if you have
any comments or suggestions which could be a valuable addition
to this resource, please send them in.
By addressing your safety concerns and diligently selecting
your babysitters, you will be able to enjoy your personal time
away from home without having to constantly question if the
kids and babysitter are safe.
Take advantage of this service, hire our babysitters, and enjoy
that personal shopping spree or romantic evening out which can
now be possible, after all you deserve it!. |
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| © 2003- Phone a
Babysitter.com |
