Take time out of your busy schedule and be sure you have the summer planned for the kids. If you need to interview the sitters and take a lot of time talking over the options for your kids, then do so. The kids are very important to just leave with anyone.
When you interview your new sitter, take time for both you and your spouse to do the interview. If you are a single parent take along someone, be it a friend or a parent. Remember this is for the good of your child you want them in the best hands.
Some questions you may want to ask are, do they know CPR? This is very important especially for young kids as some are always sticking things in their mouths. Another good question and one that you should always do and follow up on is references. If they are legitimate, then they will provide these for you. BUT you need to call. You need to talk and ask question of your new proposed sitter. Grill the old client. Tell them your situation and that you need for them to be honest with you.
One thing you should understand when you higher a new sitter, is that sometimes kids at first may not like the new sitter. Be patient. Ask questions of your kids. Ask them to let you know how their day was. Don’t interject any negative words or ideas into your questions. Just ask how their day was or if they played games, or did they meet new friends.
Author is Michele Rogers, owner of http://www.lilyputts.com Lilyputts Gift Baskets , an online gift basket retailer. Also hosted is a http://www.lilyputts.blogspot.com BLOG that reviews gifts and welcomes other comments as well. Please visit Lilyputts Gift Baskets for descriptions and product presentations. Please, if you use any portion herein be sure to email author first.
By taking your time as a parent, and really check out the new sitter, you will find you are not only happy but your child is also.