Tips for Hiring a Babysitter

This is a sponsored post written by me for Predictim. All opinions are mine alone.

There is nothing I love more than spending time with my daughters! However, there are occasions, when I need someone to watch the kids… date night with the hubby or mom’s day out with some friends, to name a few examples. That’s why a reputable babysitter is essential for every mom’s sanity. If you don’t already have a sitter, I’ll be sharing some tips today to keep in mind as you navigate the process of searching & interviewing potential candidates. After all, when it comes to the safety of our children, one can never be too careful.

1. Ensure the sitter is trained!
When it comes to finding a qualified babysitter, experience with kids is clearly an important element of a candidate’s history. However, you should also look for sitters that are trained in CPR and First Aid. Knowing what to do in case of emergency is essential.

2. Use Predictim!
Found a potential babysitter? Use Predictim to analyze their social media profiles. Predictim goes beyond a basic background check to provide a complete social media assessment that helps you make the right decision. Indeed Predictim is a smart solution for parents!

Thanks to artificial intelligence, Predictim looks at a candidate’s online footprint to find specific trends. In fact, the software uses over 6 billion data points and puts those intro proprietary algorithms. The result is an easy-to-read report that is automatically created within three minutes of signing up. Here’s a sample report with a score of 5 (Very High Risk).

The report is packed with information and features the essential personality characteristics of a potential babysitter. The software specifically looks for social media content that may point to behavior that includes harassment, bad attitude, explicit content and drug abuse.

Plus, Predictim is fully accessible on mobile devices. So you can check a potential sitter’s profile even when you’re on the go. I love the convenience of that! So what are you waiting for? Check out Predictim today – there’s even a demo available!

3. Check references!
When it comes to finding the right nanny or babysitter, make sure you ask for & follow up with references. Ask for a list of no less than three previous contacts. Call each of these people and ask some basic questions about their experience with the sitter. Did they have any difficulties with the sitter? Did she always show up on time? Did the children enjoy spending time with her?

4. Outline all expectations!
When it comes to expectations, being clear upfront is the best way to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Make a list of rules and share that with the sitter. Include obvious items (no smoking in the house, for example) and also include less common rules. For example, is the sitter ever allowed to leave the house with the child (to go to the park or run errands at the store)? Be explicit with your expectations.

5. Discuss discipline methods!
All kids can misbehave from time to time. Take some time and discuss discipline methods with the sitter. If your child really thrives on positive discipline, encourage your sitter to follow through with the same method. If your kid actually responds well to time-outs, then make that known, too.

6. Discuss medicines/allergies!
If your child regularly takes any medicines, make sure you communicate this information to a potential sitter. Even if your child does not regularly take medicines, make it clear to the sitter what she is allowed to administer to the child if the child gets sick. If there is a fever, should the sitter give ibuprofen? Should the sitter call you first? Go through the common scenarios ahead of time so everyone is on the same page. Also, if your child has any allergies (to medicines or food), make sure the sitter is aware of those.

7. Start slow!
Let’s say you used Predictim and found a great sitter. You’ve checked references and are ready to get started. Don’t just throw the sitter into the home and leave them alone with the kdis for a few hours. Try to make the transition slow and gradual. Start by introducing your kids to the sitter and let them hang out together for a few hours to play. Stay in the house but give them plenty of space. The next time the sitter comes over, try to leave for a short time and then return. If your child is experiencing any level of separation anxiety, this gradual transition will help to create a positive experience for all parties.

Learn more about Predictim and how it can help you find the best babysitter for your needs. What things do you look for in a potential sitter? Have you ever tried Predictim?

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