Looking for Questins to Ask Babysitters Referrals

I would ask how long she worked for them - shows consistency or lack there of.
What are her strengths - so you can know where she's good
What are her weaknesses - good to catch "pretend referals" for they never have ANY negatives. Also a good way to know what the challenges would be ex. Always late, or not great with a baby etc
Would they refer her to a friend or family member. I love this one cos then you really know how confident they were of her abilities altho I doubt anyone would give you a referral of someone who wouldn't give them a good grade ;)

Good luck!

If they aren't babysitting for the referrals anymore maybe you should ask why. If the bs was good with the kids.

ASK:

How long the sitter was used - duration of times. Issues concerning time off or appt. Unasked requests <taking the child 'out' without knowledge>, things along that line.

ALSO - Are they still using the sitter / why or WHY NOT??

If you 'interviewed' the sitter you know the sitters answers about things - now make sure the referrals give the SAME answers (displine/time off/ etc.) Good Luck.

I think you should not only ask what qualities they liked in her, but also..... Were there any qualities that you did not like in her? If so, would you please tell me about it? I think sometimes people are afraid to mention something if the person was nice. For example, maybe she was nice but she did not have the best discipline strategies.

Don't be afraid to ask anything. Your child will be in her care. Something like this was mentioned on Oprah today. They talked about going with your intuition. Don't be afraid of.... listen to it!

I would ask them to name 5 character traits that best describe the babysitter. I would ask them if she was reliable, trustworthy, honest, etc... The babysitter may appear to be to you, but it's always good to hear what others say.

Well... I know there are more worthwhile questions, but I have to go. Have a great day! Good luck!

Dear M. K,

I think it is great that you follow up on the referrals. One question I would also ask is would they have her watch their kids again. Another thing that I would recommend is that you call your local Department of Children and Family Services and ask if they had any complaints on the said person. If they have no record there has been no complaints. Mind you that if there is a record they can't tell you what for, but if there is a record then you really don't want them. They could tell you if she is in their system if she was a daycare provider or something else, just they can't tell you what that person has been accused of. I tell all of my friends and daycare parents to call DCFS on who ever watchs their kids. I would also go on the web site for sex offenders, there are some women on there. Make sure you ask the referrals if the person had other people around. Ask your prospective sitter is they plan to have people around if so check those people out to. You just can't be to careful now a days. Good luck and trust your instincts.
B.