How to Conduct a Babysitter Trial Run

A long-term babysitter spends a lot of time with your children. After-school pick-ups, meals, and bedtime are just a few examples. For any parent, trusting that your kids are safe and in good hands is essential. You need someone reliable who is a good influence. Before you hire a long-term babysitter, you want to make sure they’re the right fit for you and your family.

After finding and hiring your babysitter, how can you tell if they’re a good match? Think of your new babysitter’s first few gigs as a trial run. As you get to know the babysitter, you will see how they interact with your kids and fit into your family’s routines. The more they work for you, the more insight you’ll get about their compatibility with your family. This will help you decide if they’re a long-term fit. Here are a few strategies that can help you get the most success out of a trial run period.

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Initial Introduction

The first step to conducting a trial run for your new babysitter is an initial introduction. This should take place before their first time working alone with your children. Plan a time when you, your babysitter, and your children are all available. Ideally, you’ll be able to host this introduction at your house or wherever the babysitting will take place.

At least one parent or guardian needs to facilitate the introduction. This allows your children to get to know their new babysitter in an environment that they’re already comfortable in, alongside familiar and safe adults. This is especially helpful if your children are naturally shy or need time to warm up to strangers. A parent or guardian will give them a sense of ease. If they see you sharing positive interactions with their babysitter, then they will likely associate positive thoughts with them.

Additionally, an introduction allows babysitters and children to get to know each other. If your new babysitter learns a few of your children’s interests, they can better prepare for their first time babysitting. They might bring activities suited to your children’s personalities, like coloring books or board games. They might learn what favorite stuffed animal to bring out when your children start to miss you. This can further alleviate your children’s worries, creating a smoother transition during the first babysitting session.

During the introduction, your babysitter will also get to know your space. Show them around your house by giving a tour. Anything that will be useful in navigating your house, like garage codes, can be shared now. If your babysitter will be spending meals or nights with your child, point out relevant kitchen cabinets or walk them through your children’s nighttime routine. This will make it easier for the babysitter to adhere to your routines. They won’t have to waste time opening every cabinet searching for a blue plastic cup your children specifically requested.

Set Clear Expectations

Every family has different routines, rules, and schedules. Your babysitter is working off their own lived experience, which might include babysitting for multiple families. You can’t expect them to know exactly how much screen time is appropriate for your children. And when paired with a new babysitter, your children may see an opportunity to bend the rules and sneak in a few extra episodes of their favorite TV show.

To prevent this from happening, be clear on your expectations. Take time to think about your family’s values. This can include everything from what rules are important to what role you want your babysitter to play. What time does your child go down for bedtime? Are snacks allowed before dinner? Do you want your babysitter to tidy up around the house?

Create a list of important information or requests and leave it in an accessible spot, like the kitchen counter. If necessary, include information about allergies and medication. You can also leave a list of emergency contacts. Writing down this information means the babysitter can refer to it as often as needed.

Check In After Trial Run

Now that your babysitter has met your family and understands your expectations, it’s time for them to watch your children for the first time. If you’re still unsure if the babysitter is a good fit, the first babysitting gig can be as short as a few hours. The time frame is up to you.

When you return home, check in and see if everything went smoothly. Are the kids happy? Is anything broken or especially messy? Ask your babysitter for their perspective. Did they have any questions? A quick conversation can fill in all the details.

Once your babysitter leaves, ask your children for their perspective. This may be the most important feedback. Your kids are the ones who have to spend time with their babysitter. It’s important that they feel safe, comfortable, and looked after. What did they think of their babysitter? Would they want to see them again? Honoring your children’s opinions is a great way to build trust and involve your children in the process.

These check-ins will help you gather information about how the trial run went. Once you have enough information, decide whether you want to move forward with this babysitter. If there were many problems or serious problems, like an inattentive sitter, consider ending the babysitting relationship. If only a few small things went wrong, talk to your babysitter to see if the situation can be resolved. If the night was a success, you can feel confident continuing to hire your babysitter.