A single mom’s guide to picking a babysitter
November 20, 2012
There are times with single moms with college scholarships will have to leave the kids at home in order to partake in social events, midterms, work or a variety of other activities. As much as it would be ideal to have family and friends available to watch the kids every time, single moms should anticipate this not always being an option. Having a reliable, trustworthy babysitter on speed dial can help make getting things done much easier.
As with any decision regarding children, single moms want to be sure they're making the right choice. It can be hard to do, but with some sound tips, picking out the best candidate may be easier.
Ask for help
When it comes to finding reliable childcare, asking other parents could be the first step. Regardless of whether parents are married or single, there are occasions when the kids can't come along, so getting the name of a sitter from others who have been in similar situations may be ideal.
If nobody has a good reference, A Better Child recommends calling a local resource like the YMCA or a church or temple the family attends, because these places provide both a reference of character and, in some cases, certification of CPR and other emergency training.
Meet and greet
Rather than hiring someone based on first appearances or word of mouth, when recruiting a sitter, it's good to introduce the children before scheduling the first appointment. Having the kids in the house during the process is helpful, since after a single mom with a college scholarship is satisfied with the potential candidate's credentials and interview, she can introduce the children and see how the sitter acts with them. It's easier for everyone involved to get to know one another first, Parents Online wrote.
Provide instruction
Some kids have specific dietary needs or allergies, but even for less demanding charges, most households have a set routine that a babysitter should stick to. Writing out the details of mealtimes, homework activities and bath schedules can give a babysitter a leg up in the process, as well as help determine if the candidate is cut out for the job before he or she even started, Kids Health stated. Writing down important contact information in case something goes wrong will also provide added peace of mind for moms with college scholarships, and if an emergency should occur, she knows someone will get in touch with her quickly.
