I am a single mom with very little local family support. I have just started a relationship and would like to have an older teenager/young adult that I can call when I want to go out, maybe everyother weekend. The problem is that I don't know any kids that fall into that category. What is the best way to go about it? I am very protective of my 8 year old, but am looking to have my daughter gain some responsbility and trust by having a babysitter in my home. I know my daughter would love it, but I can't get over the trust factor of having someone I don't know watch my daughter and the fact that they will be in my house. Any idea where to start to look? Is it better if I post an ad or do I reply to ads I see? I am going to ask the moms of her teammates but might need to venture out? ANy ideas would be helpful..
seek a church office for a recommended family or/and national moms club for babysitting co-op. Have the child come and watch your 8 yr old while your home for a few times until everyone is comfortable.............
Too bad you are not near me! I have an almost 18 year old (off to college in the fall and no luck finding a job for the 6-7 weeks till she leaves) looking to make some cash this summer and prefers kids out of diapers! I am a licensed daycare provider so sometimes she does for my families.
Its tougher than when I was a teen. I did a few emergency/safety classes at my local hospital and got the option of being on a list. Local parents could call the hospital for this list. Now -a-days you can't do that. Think of the perv's who would call for a list of 14 year old girls names! Ugh. Sad world.
Network with any social circles you have. Church, school, teams, neighbors, maybe a daycare provider or after school program with teachers with teens or if it employs teens or college age kids looking to make some extra cash. Ask if they have responsible teens who sit, or know of any.
Interview them. Ask your daughter what sort of things she wants and let her meet them too at some point. Maybe she will get a vibe as well.
Best of luck!
Check with your local high school guidance office (not good timing, with school out, I know) for kids who babysit. Check with your local girl scout troop or town's family/children's services for kids who have been through a babysitter training course. Check with local colleges who have job posting boards. Ask your neighbors. Put a flyer up at your local children's library. Start by having a prospective sitter come as a "mother's helper" and play with your daughter while you are home. You can get some stuff done in another room - pay your bills, do the ironing, cook for the week, whatever. Resist the urge to hover. Your daughter is old enough to speak up.
You might also advertise at the local senior center - there are many retirees looking for a few bucks, and you have the advantage of them being able to dire and stay up late! Many are in their mid-60s and very able-bodied and mentally alert. If you have no family, your daughter might benefit from a surrogate grandparent.
You have been your daughter's only caretaker and it's normal to be protective, but it's time to have your own life and be a woman, not just a mom, and it's time to expand your daughter's horizons by giving her an older companion besides yourself. Figure out what you are nervous about - someone hurting her, someone stealing your valuables, someone criticizing your housekeeping? Consider some short-term counseling to build up some trust and some serenity.
My summer sitter is one of my mom's college students.
My morning sitter through the year we found on sittercity.com.
Your daughter is old enough to tell you if there is any kind of problem, and interview several people before picking one.
Do any of your daughter's friends have older/teen siblings. Some of our first babysitters were the older sibs of my son's friends from school :)
any local colleges nearby? They have lists as well as village halls, churches, and highschools. Park District trained my sons to be babysitters and they actually got certificates.
