How to Find a Good Babysitter

   As they say, good ones are hard to find. But finding a babysitter that you are comfortable with is critical to keeping your sanity and having your children well cared for.

   For us a good childcare provider has made a world of difference. An enormous load of stress was lifted from my life when we finally found a sitter that was dependable and responsible and fun for the kids. And that has made an incredible difference for the whole family, because as we all know, 'if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!'

   Here are some tips for screening and selecting the best babysitter:(from a variety of sources like the National Crime Prevention Council, Susan Crites and Tom Price, authors of The Working Parents Help Book, and other moms like you)

WHERE TO LOOK

• Ask friends for recommendations.
  
  
• Look for childcare training programs at local colleges, hospitals and from groups like the American Red Cross.
  
  
• Contact private agencies.
  
  
• Place ads in local papers—detail your needs like "own transportation".

INTERVIEW

• Get several references and check all of them. (Consider asking for proof of a recent physical exam or offer to pay for one to be sure the sitter isn't carrying communicable diseases.)
  
  
• Ask how the sitter would handle situations such as tantrums to determine if the person's child-rearing philospohy meshes with yours.
  
  
• Ask for proof that the sitter has some first aid training. If not, consider arranging for them to take a basic emergency aid course. Call your local Red Cross or Emergency Medical Service.
  
  
• If you're thinking of using an agency, ask what happens if a prospect it sends to you doesn't work out.
  
  
• If the sitter is to drive the kids, ask to see a license and check the person's record. To do that, you need the name, birth date and license ID number, then contact your local DMV. Unfortunately this service is not available in all states.
  
  
• As a preview, invite the sitter to meet with the children when you are at home to see how they interact. If the children and the sitter are nota good match, find a new sitter.
  
  
• If the babysitter speaks a native language other than English, make sure he or she understands your child's vocabulary. Misunderstanding baby talk can lead to frustration for both the sitter and the child.
  
  
• Listen to your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

ON THE JOB

• Establish a probationary period, like 2 weeks, that will still serve as a time to test that you all get along.
  
  
• Let the sitter know your policies on such issues as disciplining the children, visitors, snacks, and using the telephone. Make sure your children know this information too.
  
  
• Offer the babysitter a ride the first time he or she comes to work so that you can, if possible, meet the babysitter's family.
  
  
• Display emergency numbers in clear view, such as on the refrigerator door. Include your own address, a cross-street and your own home phone number, in case the sitter must call 911 and provide that infomation.
  
  
• Tell the sitter to get the children out of the house to safety of a neighbor's home before calling for help in the case of a fire or other emergency.
  
  
• Keep an updated notebook, in easy reach, with special instructions for each child, including an medical conditions and the time and dose of any medications.
  
  
• Give the babysitter your beeper number, cellular phone number, or any emergency number where you can be reached in an emergency.
  
  
• When you get home, ask the children what they did and whether the sitter had any unapproved guests.