You want your babysitter to be right for your family. That’s why you need to know how to interview a potential babysitter.

 

There’s not a single babysitter that would be right for all families. Each family is different and has different needs.

 

You should tailor the interview to your family’s needs and expectations for a sitter.

 

With that in mind, here are some general guidelines to follow on how to interview a potential babysitter:

 

1 – Basic Information

 

Seems straightforward because it is. You need to know a lot of details about your potential babysitters.

 

Name, contact information, availability, rate and references.

 

A background check would also be wise.

 

All that information plus a background check is included on Smart Choice Sitters. We even check the sitters transcripts to verify their GPA is or was 3.0 or better.

 

2 – Background questions

 

Ask about life experiences that stand out to them. What life lessons have they learned through experience that they could impart upon your child?

 

CPR certified? Child care courses?

 

3 – Job Questions

 

Favorite activities for the kids?

 

Flexibility in schedule? Amount of notice you need?

 

How do you comfort a child? How do you discipline a child?

Handling of temper tantrums and crying?

 

Can you prepare food for the kids? What can you make for them?

 

Diapers? Bedtimes? Bathing?

 

What do you like about babysitting? Why do/did you want to be a babysitter?

 

4 – Personality Questions

 

What’s the scariest thing you’ve had to handle?

 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

 

What do you like to do for fun?

 

What do you like to read / watch / listen to?

 

Add to this list anything that you feel is necessary to be able to trust a babysitter. Include questions on topics that are important to you as a family.

 

You want to find the babysitter that is right for you and your kid. That’s going to take some time.

 

You can find great babysitters on Smart Choice Sitters that have the kind of qualifications that will help you feel comfortable leaving them with your kids.