- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Calling All Babysitters!
In Search of a Super Sitter
By Teri Cooper Brown
Begin the sitter search with recommendations from friends, coworkers, neighbors or church members. Check with child care referral services and senior citizen centers. Marsha Hawley of the Erikson Institute for Child Development at the University of Illinois, says, "There is no ideal age for a child to be left with a babysitter. Each child is different, and each babysitter is different in terms of ability and experience. Younger children need more experienced caregivers." It is important to remember that older teenagers are not necessarily better babysitters. Dr. Alvin Poussaint, M.D., says, "Most parents find that sixth, seventh and eight-graders make ideal sitters. They have the maturity to be responsible, are delighted to be 'grown-up' enough to baby sit and do not have the same social distractions as high schoolers."
Telephone potential sitters and arrange a get-acquainted visit. Pay careful attention to the sitter's interaction with children. Does the relationship seem warm and positive? Watch for clues that indicate a relaxed, natural rapport with children -- stooping or sitting down to interact at the child's eye level, using calm, reassuring gestures and a soothing tone of voice or a gentle pat on the back. Inattention, overactivity or preoccupation may be signs of immaturity.
Share your philosophy of parenting, including preferred discipline policies, snack preferences or restrictions, and procedure for meal, bath and bedtime routines. Evaluate attitude, knowledge and experience, by asking:
- "Why do you want to babysit?"
- "Do you like children?"
- "Have you cared for children in the past? If so, what ages?"
- "Do you have any ideas or activities to occupy and entertain our children?"
- "How would you comfort an inconsolable child after her parents leave?"
- "What would you do if the child refuses to go to bed? Hits his sister? Has a temper tantrum?"
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
