Interviewing babysitters: What to ask

As parents we only want the best for our children and that especially goes for the care they receive while we have to be away from them. It's important to interview prospective babysitters and not just use someone because one of your friends used them a few times or a colleague from work recommended them. Every family is different and has different needs and expectations. What may be right for their children may not be right for yours.
The first thing you will need to decide is whether you'd prefer to have a younger babysitter or an adult caregiver for your children. After you've found a few candidates you'll want to compile a list of questions you'd like to ask. Here are some of the more important things to inquire about when interviewing a prospective babysitter.

For a younger babysitter

    Do you have a current First Aid Infant/Child CPR Certification?
    Do you still babysit for any of your past clients?
    What ages are you most comfortable with?
    What are some of the games that you play with the children you babysit?
    How do you discipline?
    How do you handle emergency situations?
    What do you think about babysitting with friends over?
    What days/hours can you work?


For an adult caregiver

    Are you First aid Infant/Child CPR Certified?
    Do you have children of your own?
    What ages are you most do you relate the best with?
    What types of activities do you do with the children?
    How do you discipline?
    What are your career goals?
    What situations are most difficult for you and how do you handle them?
    What days/hours are you available?


Once you've interviewed the babysitter if you feel comfortable with the answers they've given and the overall feel of the interview you should bring the children to meet them and allow them to interact under your supervision for 10-15 minutes to see how the connect. Pay attention to how they react to each other, do the children seem comfortable with the babysitter? Is the babysitter engaging, and interacting with them or simply watching and responding to them?
By simply taking an afternoon or two and interviewing potential babysitters you can save yourself a great deal in the long run on several different levels. You'll ultimately save time, money, and have happier healthier safer children.