The Babysitter-Parent Alignment Checklist

As the weather warms, child-care needs are more abundant than ever, with more people going out than staying in. Parents deserve solo or couples events, and children deserve a reliable, fun babysitter so that everyone can win. But where do you begin in your search for the right babysitter? In our checklist, we cover all bases to help you find the right babysitter who aligns with your parenting style and household needs.

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This list is divided into four sections: Core Alignment, Key Interview Questions, Trial Run, and Final Steps.

Core Alignment

Before you begin your search, you need to know your needs and wants, and those of your children, to narrow down who and what you’re looking for. If you don’t, you risk having too many applicants to sift through while not finding the right one for your family. To begin, ask yourself:

• What are my Children’s Needs?: This is your top priority for two reasons: 1) It sets the basis for what requirements you’ll need for your children. 2) It creates more questions to build upon if you’re struggling to come up with any. Some applicable questions are:
  • What are their allergies?
  • What are their daily medications?
  • What’s their routine? Does it change around school vs. out of school?
• What are my Non-Negotiable Rules/Boundaries?: The point of having a babysitter is for them to keep your child’s routine intact while you are not home. It’s reasonable to expect that a babysitter will respect your house rules and ensure that they do not change once you are not in the house with them. Some things to consider for a babysitter are:
  • If they are a daytime sitter, what is my morning routine with them on weekdays vs. weekends? If they are a nighttime sitter, do I expect them to handle bathtime and bedtime routines?
  • What are my hard lines on screentime, extra snacks, and even driving the children around?
  • What are safe and non-safe areas I expect my babysitter to be aware of when I am not home?
• What are the Minimum Qualifications for the Position?: You should only answer this question once you have answered the above, as this will help you narrow down and tailor your ad posting/search for the right babysitter. At the base, your babysitter should be:
  • At least 16 years of age, preferably 18
  • Valid first aid and CPR training, especially needed in case of allergies
  • Ability to drive in case of an emergency
  • Relevant experience with the age group your kids are in

Key Interview Questions

When you’ve found the right candidate for the job (and you’ve conducted a background check for safety purposes), an interview is the best way to get a feel for the babysitter rather than relying on a resume or recommendation. During the interview, you can ask the following questions:

• Name a time you went above and beyond for a child?
• How do you handle non-medical and medical emergencies?
• How do you handle multiple children in a household?
• What’s your best defense against a tantrum?
• What would you do if my child refused to eat/sleep?
• What is your experience with babies, toddlers, children, young teens, etc.?
• How do you manage screen time?
• What activities do you like to do with kids?
• What would a typical day with my children look like?
• What is your availability for short notice, specific holidays, or special anniversaries?

All of these questions, and a few others you can come up with based on your children’s needs, are a great way to get an understanding of not only who your babysitter is, but if they would care for your children the way you hope they would.

Trial Run

If applicable, a trial run is a great way to get an idea of how a babysitter would care for your kids and see if their actions match their words. For an in-depth discussion, the Dos and Don’ts of Hiring a Babysitter includes a tutorial on conducting a trial run. For an overview, provide the following information, necessities, and availability to your babysitter:

• Provide your Babysitter with a List of All Emergency Contacts: In the event you do have to step out, it’s best to provide your babysitter with medical and emergency contact information in case you are unreachable.
• Go Over All Necessary Safety Information: Fire extinguishers, asthma pumps, defibrillators, and the like should all be gone over regarding use and where they are in the house, as in an emergency, time is of the essence.
• Be Available but Don’t Hover: As hard as it can be, the point of a trial run is only to step in when needed, as you need to observe more than assist to get a feel for whether they are a perfect fit for your children.
• Debrief with Babysitter and Kids: It’s best to discuss the day with both parties so you can compare notes and see how well your children like the babysitter.

Final Steps

Once you have hired your babysitter, it’s vital to go over the logistics of your arrangement with them to maintain a smooth business relationship. Review the following:

• Last Minute Details: Confirm arrival/departure times, pay rate, and if they have permission to take kids on outings.
• Review References: While a background check helps with the screening process, it doesn’t hurt to contact former families to see what their experience was like with your new babysitter.
• Create a Contract: If this is a long-term arrangement, a contract detailing the set pay rate, rules, responsibilities, and clauses is a great way to maintain a professional relationship.

With your babysitter on board, you can enter spring with more peace of mind, knowing they are the perfect fit for you and your family.