Want to Hire a Babysitter for the First Time? Relax! Here’s Your 3-Step Plan! by Tori Ulrich

Need a sitter? All parents dread this big step for valid reasons:

• fear of a stranger
• guilt for leaving
• online horror stories
• being overwhelmed at what to do or say when meeting a potential babysitter

This is all normal and totally manageable.

1. First, you MUST trust yourself. Rely on that mom/dad intuition. Your parent-gut will tell you if a person is right or not. Really.
2. Decide what qualities you want a sitter to have. Outgoing or a bit reserved? Silly? Detail oriented? Old or young? Any deal breakers? Give yourself an idea of who you are looking to find.
3. Have the kids help by asking questions or giving their thoughts. See how the baby reacts. Kids can read people and will tell the truth – listen to them.

It's a big step and it's OK to be nervous. You'll know when it's right.