The world of babysitting has changed a lot! I started babysitting when I was 12, and was paid $2 an hour no matter how many children I looked after, or what ages they were. Cooking, doing the dishes, and tidying up the toys was just part of the job.
Now, I am told babysitters make $8 – $15/hr and one who cooks, and cleans is difficult to find, and heaven forbid…parents may even have to pay extra for those duties.
I recently found out about “Babysitter Mixers,” events that resemble speed dating, but introduce parents to potential babysitters.
The Edmonton event I attended was hosted by online company ModernMama.ca. It was held in a local children’s playcentre so parents could bring their little ones along.
Wine and muffins were served, as mothers mingled and interviewed babysitters in attendance. There were only 6 at this particular event, and around 25 moms, so at times the sitters were literally surrounded by mothers with clipboards of questions.
The mothers I talked to, loved the event, and left feeling like they had more options. ModernMama.ca requires babysitters for these events to be over 17 and have their own vehicle, as this is a big plus for parents who don’t want to have to drive the child care provider home at the end of the night.
In addition to these events, where can parents find a good babysitter?
Here are some ideas:
– Ask around! Word of mouth is a great way to find good childcare. Some moms don’t want to share their babysitters with too many people for the fear they will become too busy,
however it never hurts to ask. Ask your neighbours, parents you meet at the playground, your hairstylist, your church, and anyone else, for recommendations.
– Share babysitting! Most parents are in the same boat you are, they want a date night…and don’t have a reliable babysitter. Try babysitting for a friend, and she can do the same for you.
Swap date night babysitting. I had this arrangement with a friend for awhile, and it worked great!
– Look online. I have found great dayhome providers through ads on Kijiji or Craigslist, you can find babysitters this way as well. Newspaper ads and community bulletin boards are also a good resource.
Here are some things ModernMama.ca suggests that parents consider when hiring a babysitter:
1 | Think about age and if you would prefer a teenager, university student, or experienced childcare professional.
2 | Is it important that your sitter has her own transportation or are you willing to pick up and drive home at the end of the date?
3 | Do you require your sitter to have special training such as CPR/childsafe, the babysitter course or early childhood education?
4 | What type of experience is important to you: infants, older children, multiple children, bedtimes, bathing and how much experience?
5 | Think about your expectations: changing diapers, play/interact, feed meals, bathing, basic supervision for older children?
7 | Ask for a reference, at least one character reference or family she has babysat for in the past.
8 | What are you willing to pay? The rate you decide upon with your babysitter can vary depending on her age, experience, number of children, and times required
Happy hunting moms and dads! Good luck! If you find a good one, and don’t mind sharing…let me know.
Julie Matthews, Global TV Troubleshooter
Find me on twitter @GlobalTshooter
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