How do you find a good babysitter?

Question

First of all, I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 5 month old and I have some major trust issues due to the fact that my 3 1/2 year old son's femur bone was broken while in home child care at the age of 7 months. I won't let anyone babysit them, other than my parents. New problem... my parents in-ground pool will be finished this weekend and I don't want my boys there unless I am. (Okay, so maybe I worry too much; I don't know.)

I'm just wondering, how do I go about finding someone that I can trust w/ my boys? My husband and I can't go 15 years without a date night or some alone time. Any suggestions?

I don't want to be out w/ my hubby for a few hours and not be able to enjoy our time together b/c I'm constantly worrying.

Answer 1

You know, that's a really good question. lol My MIL watches my daughter while we're at work and we had a great backup babysitter (she is a long time friend) for the times when my MIL couldn't watch her. Well, we lost our backup babysitter in the beginning of June because she had to go back to work full time. We still haven't been able to find anyone to replace her and there have been times already where one of us had to stay at home because my MIL couldn't be there. It's so hard to find someone you can trust completely to care for your child when you're not there.

Answer 2

sittercity.com

care.com

family members

neighbors

you can meet the people first and possibly have lunch

dang-I'm looking for a babysitting job

Answer 3

no one is going to take care of them as well as you do

but you need to know the older they get they will let you know by the way they act if the babysitter is a good one

first have someone stay with them at your house

maybe a family friend

the KEY IS

(While you are there with them), you can do things around the house or run quick errands if you need to

and at the same time you can see how they are with your kids

then you can go from there

plus it helps not to feel so rushed when you leave them for the first time with the sitter, you will already spent time with the sitter so you will be more relaxed.

the thing is if you don't like the person

then don't use them

i hope that helps

Answer 4

Probably already thought of this but can your parents come over to your house and babysit?

Answer 5

Network with other parents that you personally know. Either you can swap and watch each others kids or they may have experience with a babysitter they know and trust. Always go with your gut instincts!

Answer 6

If you have friends that are mothers why not try switching off, they watch your kids and you watch theres.  Of course the trust issue is something that you might have to work on, and really has no relation to who takes your kids.  I am sure it would be hard after having the first child hurt, however as you say you want to go out and enjoy time so probably just have to start with the parents (even with the pool) and then work up to a friend or sitter.  Good luck!  I have a newborn that I have not left with anyone but family as of yet for some of the same reason's.  Finder a sitter is hard.