FTM needs tips on finding a great babysitter

[Anonymous]

I need to hire a babysitter but having never done so before I was hoping experienced moms could give me some tips and tricks for how to find a good one.

[Anonymous]

Your neighborhood listserv is your best friend. Talk to other moms, ask your friends, etc...

But the best sitters I've found all came through neighbor recommendations.

[Anonymous]

how is care.com? also, what things should I be looking for?

[Anonymous]

I would never hire a babysitter who's a total stranger off a website. I'd only take a personal recommendation.

OP, I suggest you ask friends of yours with kids - post asking on Facebook if you have to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would never hire a babysitter who's a total stranger off a website. I'd only take a personal recommendation.

OP, I suggest you ask friends of yours with kids - post asking on Facebook if you have to.

This, and only this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would never hire a babysitter who's a total stranger off a website. I'd only take a personal recommendation.

OP, I suggest you ask friends of yours with kids - post asking on Facebook if you have to.

This, and only this.

+1000

[Anonymous]

You can find a great sitter from a website. It just takes a bit of work on your part. Look for someone who willingly offers multiple references, is open to (or can provide) undergo a background check and someone who you feel good about.
Above all, trust your gut. If something seems off, trust yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can find a great sitter from a website. It just takes a bit of work on your part. Look for someone who willingly offers multiple references, is open to (or can provide) undergo a background check and someone who you feel good about.
Above all, trust your gut. If something seems off, trust yourself.

That not only takes a boatload of work on your part, but also a fair amount of skill that few parents seem to have. "Trusting one's gut" isn't normally much allowed in higher institutions where many of you come from. Unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can find a great sitter from a website. It just takes a bit of work on your part. Look for someone who willingly offers multiple references, is open to (or can provide) undergo a background check and someone who you feel good about.
Above all, trust your gut. If something seems off, trust yourself.

That not only takes a boatload of work on your part, but also a fair amount of skill that few parents seem to have. "Trusting one's gut" isn't normally much allowed in higher institutions where many of you come from. Unfortunately.

Wow - a new take on condescending and judgmental. Congrats on your creativity!

[Anonymous]

Yikes, 10:08 is one of the nasty nannies that makes DCUM the worst place to find a nanny.

Run from here. Run.

Neighborhood list serve or personal recommendations are the only ways to go.

[Anonymous]

There are many nannies and parents on DCUM who are reasonable, respectable people. The loudest ones get all the attention though. I am sorry you are having a difficult time. I think the first step to finding a great nanny is to know what your priorities are. Really narrow down the few things that you just can not compromise on. Want someone who knows your neighborhood and can arrange play dates with the neighbors? Then local is the way to go. If you want to find a specialized skill such as someone who can teach your kids piano or at least help them practice, cast a wider net with online forums.

I noticed you used the word babysitter. That word does have a certain implication versus nanny. The skills overlap but not 100%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can find a great sitter from a website. It just takes a bit of work on your part. Look for someone who willingly offers multiple references, is open to (or can provide) undergo a background check and someone who you feel good about.
Above all, trust your gut. If something seems off, trust yourself.

That not only takes a boatload of work on your part, but also a fair amount of skill that few parents seem to have. "Trusting one's gut" isn't normally much allowed in higher institutions where many of you come from. Unfortunately.

Wow - a new take on condescending and judgmental. Congrats on your creativity!

Do you have any clue how often I hear from disgruntled parents, "Well, she looked good on paper" and "Her references were glowing."

They simply neglected another compont of the process:
Listen to your gut. I understand you'd get laughed out of grad school if you used that skill there, so it seems. However, as a Mother, you must resurrect that much forgotten part of yourselves. Our survival depends on it.