There are also a host of other things that we need to think about when hiring a teen babysitter. No matter how great they are with your kids or how wonderful their character is, they are still young themselves and may not have the maturity of an adult – especially not being a parent themselves — to make the best decisions about your children.
Be clear with them on your household rules and the behaviors you will not accept:
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Tell your sitter to avoid texting, talking on the phone or using the Internet, unless it’s absolutely necessary — if she’s distracted, she’s not safely watching the kids.
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Emphasize that children should not be left alone for even one second.
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Remind the sitter she should not post details of any babysitting job on social media sites, and she should never post photographs of your family or home.
Leaving your child is never easy, but by making sure you research your caregiver, put a strong care plan in place, and keep open communication with your sitter, you can give yourself a little peace of mind.
What are your tips for finding a good sitter or caregiver for your child? Have you ever had a bad experience with someone you trusted to care for your child? Leave us your thoughts, and stay up-to-date on all the latest tips for parents on Mommy Underground.