When choosing a babysitter every parent wants to make sure that their child is in good hands. Parental judgment and intuitive instinct – along with the tips below – will help in making a good choice.
If your child is older than the age of 2 – hire a babysitter, who is at least 12 years old. If your child is younger – hire a babysitter, who is at least 14 years old.
Judgment calls:
- Do you think the babysitter is responsible?
- Does the babysitter have experience in taking care of children?
- Does the babysitter have recommendations from other parents?
- Do you think the babysitter understands the responsibility of taking care of children?
Ground rules and guidelines
After choosing a babysitter, provide information and instructions to keep your child safe.
- Explain that it is the babysitter’s responsibility to look after your children all the time you’re absent; not to leave them alone for even a moment – a moment is a long time.
- Introduce your children and describe their habits – where they play, what and where they eat and other important details.
- Show the babysitter your home: where the telephone and the emergency numbers are; where the first aid kit is and what's in it; and where the electrical cabinet is.
- Tell the babysitter how to contact you, and when you plan to return.
- Make sure to tell the babysitter to constantly monitor the children in the kitchen and the bathroom, since they are the home’s most dangerous rooms.
- Mention which rooms are off limit, like the terrace.
- Encourage the babysitter to play with your children, but only in games that are age appropriate.
- Tell the babysitter what food is appropriate, if your children have chewing or swallowing problems – and that children should only eat when sitting.
- It's recommended to not allow the babysitter to bring friends, so he won't have any destruction.
- Leave the babysitter a key. Don’t lock him in.
Food rules for children under the age of five
- Do not give children under the age of five bubble gum, hard candy, popcorn, nuts or seeds.
- Hot dogs should be cut lengthwise (and not widthwise).
- Grapes should be cut in half.
This Health Tip courtesy of Be'Terem, the National Center for Children's Safety and Health.