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Home › Articles › Caregivers › Sitter Solutions

Sitter Solutions

Overcoming the Babysitter Blues

By Katherine Bontrager

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Calling for Help
The Loughrans' concerns are something Barbara Marcus hears all the time. Marcus is the president of Parents in a Pinch Inc., a Boston-based company that has provided childcare services for working parents for more than 20 years.

"Many parents are reluctant to leave their children in someone else's care," says Marcus. "Some will only allow a relative to come into the house or hold the baby. Many parents are afraid that the baby will be exposed to germs and will get sick. There are countless trust issues at play here, so we very frequently encounter anxious parents. Most parents end up calling us when they've depleted their own and their friends' sitter resources. So they feel nervous when they call – and desperate, too."

The company puts much effort into easing clients' fears because finding a reputable, trustworthy sitter is vital so parents can feel relaxed and enjoy their time outside of the home. And you can learn from the tools the company relies on to keep its clientele happy.

"First, we acknowledge how hard this must be for them," Marcus says. "It is hard! Then we tell a parent about our caregivers and how thoroughly they're screened and trained. We'll read the parent all the references we have on the caregiver, including what our other clients have said about her. Finally, we have the caregiver call the parent directly before the sitting takes place."

It's important to realize that overcoming any trepidation about hiring a sitter won't be easy. You're treading on new ground here, and you need to go at your own pace. Do your homework on any sitters in your neighborhood. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Who do they trust? Who do their children beg to have come and sit for them? You have a great source right at your fingertips, so ask around. Better yet, is a responsible neighborhood teen you know and feel comfortable with looking for extra money? "If someone who is known to Mom and the child is available, everyone will be more comfortable," Marcus says.


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