How to trial an evening babysitter?

[Anonymous]

Would you have her come and meet the kids first? Would you have her work (play with the kids) for a couple of hours while you're in the house the first 1-2 times?

[Anonymous]

Have her come meet the kids and show her around the house. See how she bonds with the kids and talks to them. i wouldn't make her play with them for 1-2 hours unless you plan on paying her.

[Anonymous]

Haha yes it's always about money. I would of course pay for a working interview. I'm just trying to find out what is the best way of going about meeting a sitter for the first time

[Anonymous]

Just have her come over once to meet you and interview her a little. If you get a good feel for her then ask her to come over to help you out and have her come over 30 minutes earlier than scheduled for you to leave/or to get ready so she can play with the kids and interact with them.

[Anonymous]

What 8:09 said. If it's an evening babysitter, anything more is overkill.

[Anonymous]

Of course, have her come and meet the kiddos.

Have a little trial period where they can play together and if she has any questions, you will be on hand to answer them.

And make sure you pay her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course, have her come and meet the kiddos.

Have a little trial period where they can play together and if she has any questions, you will be on hand to answer them.

And make sure you pay her.

How long were you thinking? Is the playing for a couple hours a good amount of time?

[Anonymous]

I am an evening babysitter for quite a few families. I have had the whole spectrum in regards to this - from 5 minute interviews right before the parents leave for the night (usually I had been referred to the parents by friends who know me well) to a 3 hour paid working interview with the parents at home. Go with what you're comfortable with OP, because a good nanny will respect whatever makes you feel the most assured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am an evening babysitter for quite a few families. I have had the whole spectrum in regards to this - from 5 minute interviews right before the parents leave for the night (usually I had been referred to the parents by friends who know me well) to a 3 hour paid working interview with the parents at home. Go with what you're comfortable with OP, because a good nanny will respect whatever makes you feel the most assured.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What 8:09 said. If it's an evening babysitter, anything more is overkill.

+2

Have her come 30 minutes before you need her to. Show her around and introduce her to the kids, then go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What 8:09 said. If it's an evening babysitter, anything more is overkill.

+2

Have her come 30 minutes before you need her to. Show her around and introduce her to the kids, then go.

This. Vet over the phone as much as you feel comfortable, but few people are going to spend an extra 1-2 hours with you (regardless of pay) for an evening gig.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What 8:09 said. If it's an evening babysitter, anything more is overkill.

+2

Have her come 30 minutes before you need her to. Show her around and introduce her to the kids, then go.

And what if the kids don't connect well with her? Send her on her way? I don't like the idea of committing to a sitter before getting a chance to see if she will be a good fit

[Anonymous]

I'm a professional nanny who babysits during the evening several times per week. If a new client were to ask me to come over to play with the kids for 1-2 hours on a random night, I wouldn't babysit for her. I would absolutely view you as annoying and high-maintenance.
Good babysitters usually don't need new clients. I wouldn't be willing to jump through your hoops.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a professional nanny who babysits during the evening several times per week. If a new client were to ask me to come over to play with the kids for 1-2 hours on a random night, I wouldn't babysit for her. I would absolutely view you as annoying and high-maintenance.
Good babysitters usually don't need new clients. I wouldn't be willing to jump through your hoops.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a professional nanny who babysits during the evening several times per week. If a new client were to ask me to come over to play with the kids for 1-2 hours on a random night, I wouldn't babysit for her. I would absolutely view you as annoying and high-maintenance.
Good babysitters usually don't need new clients. I wouldn't be willing to jump through your hoops.

That's ridiculous. We're talking about a paid job. Are you intimidated by parents who care who they leave their children alone with? What are you trying to hide?