Baby Sitter Interview Questions, Hints, Tips

Well, I like to have babysitters come over as "mother's helpers" for a day or 2 so I can get to know them and because my kids have stranger anxiety (they don't really, but it helps with MY nerves!). I do pay them for this time. The kids are in the room with us and we do talk and she gets to see the "routine" we have so she can follow it more easily. She also gets to see 1st hand the discipline issues we are having at that time and how we are working with it.

Anytime a parent decides to leave their children with another person not known to them you need to ask LOTS of questions and get as much information about that person as possible. Here are 2 links you should check out for a list of interview questions.

http://www.sitters.com/interviewsitter.aspx

http://babysitters.sittercity.com/article/parent_intervie...

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to help you feel 100% confident with the person you decide to leave your children with.

Good luck!!

I purused the answers so far and I'll add another idea I didn't see - what about after interviewing one or two candidates they play with your kids a bit so you can see how they react to each other? When I set up the in home interviews I asked them to come talk with me and meet my kids. Then we set up a "second" where I paid them to play with the kids while I was in the house. I explained I did not want the kids coming to me, I wanted the sitter to handle things just like she would if I wasn't there. I got to see how my kids reacted to her, how she handled disputes/trantrums and if she played with them or just sat there and watched them play. Usually we end each visit with the sitter giving the kids a "treat" so the kids are excited to see her next time - as in, "WOW! Molly is sooo cool! She brought you a sucker." Then on the first REAL babysitting experience I'd have her at home while I ran some errands - maybe 30 mins to 1 hr. I'd clean the house, grocery shop, make dinner, etc. Again, it started getting the kids used to the sitter and "broke in" the sitter too. Then the next outing my husband and I would go to dinner locally. We would make/order a pizza for the kids and sitter - the kids loved that - and we would go out to dinner and come RIGHT home. That way the sitter did dinner and a movie with them, but NOT bedtime. Each time, we'd go longer and expect more of her. We also would pay her more as we added responsibilities. We found some sitters are just that - they sit there. The don't clean up, they don't "handle" kids like we would. Others can do it all - so we pay them accordingly and base our time OUT on what the sitter can handle.

Also, I'd consider looking at the local colleges for a sitter. Highschool students CAN be immature and not available when you need them. Not to mention they grow up and leave for college. The community college kids usually drive themselves, can stay out later, are more mature and can be more accessible because they don't have cheerleading, prom, etc. Also, if your kids already take classes at the Y or park district you can ask that "teacher" if they do babysitting also. We've found if our kids really like a teacher they usually end up LOVING them as a babysitter. Plus the Y and park district have already screened/trained them in CPR, first aid, etc.

I hope this adds something other posts hadn't.

Mom of 3

you got a lot of suggestions already.
For actually finding a babysitter.... there is a website which I have heard good reviews about: www.care.com
You can actually see/read about the providers... and they are supposed to be background checked too.

I see nothing wrong with asking questions from a list.... as a PART of a conversation.

To a certain extent, a Babysitter will accommodate the wishes of the parents... regarding their kids. A babysitter will either be rigid, or flexible.
So YOU decide what you want.
And, go by your instincts as well.... gut instinct, is often correct.

YOU decide if the Babysitter is "allowed" to take the kids out. If she does, under your approval... then she has to have insurance, liability insurance, you should sign an "approval for transportation" letter, which she as a Babysitter should have templates for. She also has to have car-seats in her car... which YOU provide etc.

Also keep in mind, that if a Babysitter feels micro-managed... they will probably get turned off... especially a seasoned babysitter. So, although YOU determine what is done with your kids... and how... and what philosophy of childcare you want... you also have to trust your Babysitter.

I used to Babysit. I stated my philosophy of care to the clients... I also accommodated parental wishes. I was not however, someone who was expected to "fix" their child. If you know what I mean.

Also, know the difference between a Babysitter.. and a Nanny... and a Nanny that also does household things. As a Babysitter... they should not be expected to clean up your house for example. The primary role, is babysitting... so you/your wife, has to decide what the primary role is, for your Babysitter.

All the best,
Susan

Hi David,
I think you can include both question & conversation into your interview. You should ask the person how they will discipline a child and watch the reaction to see if it is a comfortable question for them,
ask them what types of entertainment ideas will be used to keep your child(ren) entertained both inside and outside
do they know CPR/Frist Aid and where did they receive their training and when (ask to have a copy of their card so you can verify)
what will they do in the event your child(ren) become sick while you are away, cancellation notice: what happens last minute (do they expect to be paid),
fees: per hour or flat rate, gas mileage or not,
if they are driving with your child will they provide you with proof of insurance, (call and verify with the company)
are they comfortable putting your child(ren) to bed or giving baths
will they cook meals or do things need to be prepared ahead of time

No question is too small. These are your children and you want someone that will fit with your values so that you and your wife are relaxed while the children are in someone elses care. If you are interviewing several people make notes so you can discuss everything at length when they are gone. Narrow your decision down to 2 or 3 and then invited them back for a trial run while you are there.
Best Wishes!

I didn't look at the other answers. However, I like babysitters that are recommended by other people. The woman who did my daycare before my son was in school has 2 daughters. The older daughter started babysitting for us at 16. She was very mature and knew what to do because she had a daycare in her home. When she was 18 she was able to drive my son to the park or practice. Her sister is 18 now and babysits for me also. If you are hiring someone you don't know well but like, check her references and stay home with her a couple of times with the kids to see how it goes. You can have 2 or more different babysitters - one who just watches at night and another who can watch during the day and go to the park, etc. You always need back up in case your regular babysitter is not available.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

It does sound like you and your wife need to be on the same page, too.

You mention having a babysitter for "non-children related chores." If those are just chores around the house, a mothers helper (young teenager) could probably entertain your kids downstairs while you clean bathrooms upstairs, for example.

You'll probably also want someone to meet different needs on a Wednesday night when you're just going out to dinner VS leaving your kids all day on a Saturday, or even overnight.

What questions you ask will also probably depend on how you're finding the sitter. Random ads or from a trusted source?

Good luck!

Always ask for references and call them. I have been surprised a few times with a good interview but then not so great references.

- Most important thing you'll learn from the interview is, "Is this person a total weirdo or basically a nice person?"
- Schedule back-to-back interviews (I suggest setting up 4; at 15 minutes apiece; spread out over 2 hours so they don't awkwardly bump into each other) so that you can compare the candidates more easily. Also, you'll quickly learn who shows up on time or late, who follows up with a thank you email, etc.
- Follow up by calling references and make your last question, "Anything about the sitter you DIDN'T like? Any words of warning?" Hopefully the reference will love the sitter so much that they'll feel guilty answering this question... but they will answer it
- Finally, be there the first time the sitter watches your child. I mean, don't be in the room (cuz then the child will just want you), but let the sitter know you'll be in the next room (reading a book, working on the computer, whatever) so that you can keep an ear out. You'll learn a lot by listening. (For instance, we had one sitter who just didn't talk at all. No singing, no encouragement, nothing! Hated her and cut the session short. Who doesn't talk to a 1-year-old baby?!)
- Also, I used Sittercity.com and loved it. Post an ad and you'll have an abundance of choices, many with online background checks, reviews, etc. Service is not free, fyi.
Good luck! You'll love the freedom! And your child will meet sweet, fun new people.

I am sure you will get lots of responses on interview questions. I have another tip, bcs of paranoia, I always write down the make, model, color, and license plate of the car they drove to my house before I leave. Just in case there is any incident, I have the latest details on that.

The one most important question to ask (aside from if they have babysitting experience) is if they have taken a CPR class. You want to be sure that they are prepared to handle an emergency if one arises.
Also, asking them for references of who they have babysat for, including the ages of the children, is also helpful. This will help you to determine if they have experience watching children your children's age.
Finally, asking them what types of activities they do with children they babysit for is also informative. This will help you to determine if your child is just being babysat by the television, or if the sitter is going to give quality time and attention to your child.

It sounds like you are looking for an "occasional" babysitter, like once per week, not for 40 hours/week or anything... For myself, I have used references more than anything. I have asked other people I know who have kids if they have any good babysitters and what their experiences have been. I have also called babysitting agencies to find babysitters.

Then, I tell the sitters what I expect. I.e. We only eat at the table, if they fight, we put them in a time out, please put all the dishes in the dishwasher after feeding the kids, etc. I actually make a list each time listing expectations: Dinner is pizza at 6pm., Bath time after dinner, read 2 books and lights out, etc. I don't really ask them what their discipline philosophy is, I tell them what mine is.

You and your spouse need to be on the same page as to taking the kids out, and stuff like that. Things get more complicated on those situations, so I would personally refrain from transporting the kids. Babysitters can be really awesome, and they can also be a teenager who talkes on the phone the whole time. You should really talk to other parents and start there. Good luck.

I think that everything depends on the age of the babysitter and what your expectations are. How many interviews are you doing?

Making a list of questions is great, but that doesn't mean that you have to sit there and check everything off (you can do that afterwards). A conversation can tell you more about the person, and you can "conversationally" slip in the questions that you have, and let them know your expectations. I love the list so that I can get my thoughts together, and what topics to cover. You can always have the list while your wife chats, and slip in your questions too.

I will be checking back for the questions that people suggest, and I like the idea of writing down the car information, but you can also get a copy of their license for id purposes.

1. Are they CPR certified?
They must be in case of any kind of accidents.
2. Choking?
Its very common for children of any age to choke. Make sure that she knows what to do heimlich manuver for infants and children.
3. Get her interested. Ask her what she usually does for children as far as discipline and how she plans to spend time with them. Get a feel for her. Have a conversation about funny instances youve had with your children. This gets her loosened up and you as well.
You can ask important questions and have a conversation at the same time. You just need to make it flow.
4. References. Ask for two references. One can be a family member and one a former employer. That way you get to know how she works and how she is personally.
I really think she should watch the kids in a home environment first before she takes them to a park. If their is a park within walking distance they can walk their. But any kind of driving, should probably wait. You dont know if this girl has been in any accidents, always check to make sure she has car insurance as well.
Good Luck!

Do you have a list of your expectations? I would write down what you want from her:
- limit tv time.
- tv programs of G only
- meals/snack schedule
- nap schedule
- personal calls/texts/visitors only in emergency

Think of it from the point of view of someone entrusting their kid to you. What would you want them to know.

There is nothing wrong with having a list. Infact, when I interviewed everyone, not only did I bring the list of questions, but I left enough space for me to write down what their answers were. In the end, I asked if they had any questions for us. I also let them hold my son and that gave me much better idea about how they were. One potential babysitter held my son and he just screamed and screamed. Instead of rocking him or trying to soothe him, she looked at us and just asked us to speak up so she can hear over his screams. That alone was the deciding factor. If she would allow him to scream that much while we were there, what in the world how would she have handled him when we weren't there.

I would ask how does she handle a kid that misbehaved (hitting, swearing, bossy). Has she ever had to cancel a contract and if so why? How often doe she sanitize the kid area? What's her sick policy? How many kids does she watch at once? Is she DCFS certified? Can you see the certificate? Is she CPR certified and is it up to date? How long has she been in business?
I created a cuddle form that I gave to our daycare provider and I asked her to fill it out for the first couple months. If you want it, please email me your name and address and I can forward it to you. You may have to change it a bit (depending on the age of your child and if your wife is nursing or formula feeding, but it's pretty easy to do). That form was great because it showed us that not only was she taking care of him, but the she followed the routine that was already in play.