National Babysitter's Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Sally Herrholz
sally@safesitter.org
(800) 255-4089

May 9, 2009 is National Babysitter's Day. Educate the next generation of sitters by enrolling your tween/teen in a Safe Sitter® class. Use these expert tips to hire your next babysitter. 

Childcare Comes Of Age 

Today's best babysitters are skilled

in fun, games, and abdominal thrusts. 

By Patricia A. Keener, M.D. 

An idea first tested in a middle-school classroom 29 years ago has spread to hospitals, churches, fire stations, and community centers around the country and across the Atlantic. Talented young sitters emerge from today's Safe Sitter® program with skills that range from fun and games to abdominal thrusts.

Safe Sitter® was born in response to the choking death of a friend's toddler who was in the care of an adult sitter; it continues today in an effort to prevent similar tragedies from happening. As a pediatrician, I've seen the serious consequences that can result when parents choose caregivers based on availability rather than training. Hiring a sitter is serious business, and moms and dads should approach the task in the same way that top executives recruit their most trusted employees. Organizations such as Safe Sitter® can create a pool of competent caregivers, but parents have to do their part and tap into it. When families ask for our advice on hiring sitters, here's what we recommend:

Create a job description. Several weeks before you need a sitter, jot down the characteristics that you consider non-negotiable. These should include recognition of the magnitude of the responsibility of the job, child-rescue skills (especially care of the choking child), basic first aid training, the ability to handle problem behavior, good judgment when it comes to safety, and a willingness to devote total attention to your child.

Get acquainted on the phone. Swap basic information such as the number and ages of your children (Has the sitter had experience with kids that age?); the presence of pets (Any allergies you should know about?); and certain house rules that you consider unbendable (Can the sitter enforce a lights-out policy at 9 p.m.?). Talk about compensation (Depending on where you live, today's hourly rate ranges from $3 to $10 and often increases for more than one child.)

Put the applicant to the test. Present the sitter with several "what if scenarios" and ask for responses. What if a child cries when you leave? What if they tease for one more story or one more game before bedtime? What if one of the kids develops a nosebleed? What if the doorbell rings unexpectedly?

Check references. Ask for the names of families who have used the sitter's services. After you make contact, be specific with your questions: Did the children like the sitter? Did the sitter follow parents' directions? Has there ever been an unpleasant incident? Is there anything else you should know?

Conduct a home interview. During a tour of the house, point out any off-limits areas, presence of alarm systems, escape route in case of fire, first-aid supplies, and emergency phone numbers. Review guidelines regarding bedtime, use of the computer and telephone. Most important, introduce the sitter to the children and watch the interaction. Do they seem to connect?

Plan a test run. Schedule a time when the sitter can come for an hour or two. Pay the usual rate and observe the sitter with your kids.

Create a list of sitters. Depending on circumstances, some sitters are better suited for certain assignments than others. The perfect caregiver for your toddler may not be the best choice when the child turns six. Likewise, the sitter who can easily handle a short after-school job may not be ready for an all-day-and-into-the-evening assignment. A list of caregivers' names and phone numbers should also include notations about their special skills.

Once you've identified sitters who meet your expectations, do everything you can to strengthen the relationship. Lots of thanks, thoughtful gifts on holidays, and an occasional "bonus" are ways to show your appreciation. My last piece of advice: Keep in touch with sitters even after they go off to college. They may have "retired" from childcare, but they can continue as much respected role models.

Dr. Patricia A. Keener is a pediatrician, medical school professor, and founder of Safe Sitter®, a national organization that teaches childcare techniques to sitters no younger than age 11.