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Ask A Detroit Expert: How To Find The Perfect Babysitter

Crystal Shippling
3804 Hazel Ave.
Lincoln Park, MI 48146
(313) 388-1499
www.blessedhopechurch.net

Rev. Crystal Schippling is the Associate Pastor at Blessed Hope Christian Church. She works with the church to provide shared meals through their food pantry and shared meals programs, as well as connect those in need with referral agencies, case management and support groups. Also, with the help from a variety of churches, businesses and individual volunteers, families are able to work through their problems and find hope. In addition to raising her own family, Schippling was the director at a church-based daycare. She couldn't quite leave it behind, and now works as an on-call babysitter for her grand kids — a job she treasures. Her years of experience running the daycare have given her a strong foundation in knowing what to look for when it comes to parents picking the best babysitter for their kids.

Tip 1: Define Your Expectations 

What do you want the sitter to do? What boundaries need to be set? For example, is it acceptable for them to take your child to a park, drive your child to an activity, serve meals and watch television.The more you provide solid rules, the more likely you are to choose a good sitter.

Tip 2: Ask family And friends For Referrals

Many of your friends or family may have similar requirements, so they may have found several reliable sitters. Both positive and negative comments from friends and family will help narrow the search.To increase leads, go to the web and use information provided by various resources. Some communities offer a "board" where people can register as sitters and provide background information. You can also call daycare centers and find out if any of their employees provide care outside of center hours.

Tip 3: Set Up An interview

You want to be able to interact with the prospective sitter, get a resume with references (a must) and determine your initial comfort level. This initial meeting should be without your child. For example, meet at a local coffee shop, and develop your own list of questions for the sitter based on your child's needs. You always want to know why they are sitters, what training they have, how long they've been providing this service and what else they do with their spare time. Add their description of a "typical" session that is age appropriate to your child. Fees should also be discussed during the interview.

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Tip 4: Review Your interview(s)

In the first few minutes, jot down your impressions of the sitter and their comments to your questions. On a scale of 1 to 10, did they fail or did they exceed your expectations? Make sure you note your viewpoints. Once all interviews are done (three to four is best) compare your rating of each person.

Tip 5: References Are A Must

If a sitter will not provide references and you do not know anyone who has used the sitter in the last few weeks, cross them off the list. During the interview, make it clear that you will be following up with references.

When you contact the references, ask if they'd mind doing a short interview. Ask if they frequently use a sitter, how they found this sitter, when the last time they used this sitter was, pros and cons and are they a family member. This gives proper steps to help make decisions. Again, score the applicant on a scale of 1 to 10 and compare those ratings to the other applicants.

Tip 6: Schedule A Meeting With The Person You've Chosen And Include Your Child

Allow the sitter and child sufficient time to adjust and get a bond started. Let the sitter answer questions, play a favorite game, etc. Watch the sitter's ability to build rapport with the child and watch your child's reaction to the sitter. Make your final decision based on what you see and sense happening.

Tip 7: Schedule The Sitter And Enjoy Your Event

You've taken time to select this person. Follow up with a good detailed list of emergency contacts for the sitter, and then give a quick telephone call to check on things after 90 minutes. You will find that both the sitter and your child are having a great time, and so can you!

Related: Caregiver Resource Guide

A feisty and intelligent young woman who resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When she isn't hitting the pavement digging up stories, she enjoys music, sports, animals, and having fun with friends and family. Contact her through the following: jenn.straka@gmail.com, Examiner.com, or be bold and read 365withJenn.blogspot.com.
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