Sitter Solutions

Overcoming the Babysitter Blues

By Katherine Bontrager

Then, talk with this recommended person to get a sense of whether you think they would be a good fit. Treat this as a job interview, because simply put, it is a job interview. Finding a caregiver for your children may be one of the most important job openings you fill.

"Hire an experienced nanny or babysitter, and have him or her come while you're home," Marcus advises. "Begin by leaving the room to cook or do laundry, or work on the computer for an hour; increase the time as your comfort level increases."

Allowing you and your children to become comfortable with a sitter over time also lets the caregiver learn firsthand how you do things around the house. Getting a feel for how Mom and Dad do things will help ensure a smoother transition for the caregiver – not to mention help you safely gauge how your children react to this new person and vice versa.

Once you feel more at ease, try out the sitter for short periods of time and for an event during which you'll be close by, such as a neighborhood party or a dinner at a restaurant down the street. Some parents even hire a sitter to keep their children safely entertained in the playroom while they entertain guests. These baby steps will help everyone acclimate to having someone else keep law and order in the house, and with time they can smooth the way to extended nights out.

If you have a list of things you'd like accomplished while the sitter is there – make sure Bobby brushes his teeth, Sam lets the dog out, that the kids have one

Want to see more?

• In Search of a Super Sitter
• Four Steps to Finding the Right Child Care
• Baby-sitting Co-op Basics
• Talk about it!