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