Question re: babysitter search

nicolita14w

Hi all. I am trying to find a babysitter for one day a week during the remainder of this school semester. Although my kids are in daycare MWF, I've found that with my new killer commute I just can not get all my correcting and planning done on those days (when I'm also teaching). The daycare can't take them another day so I'm trying to find a sitter through sittercity for a few hours on Thursdays. I'll either work in another room in the house or go to a local cafe.

A couple random questions. I have a couple interested candidates who are going to  come by in the next few days so we can meet. If I like them, I would like to let them play with the kids for maybe 1/2 hour or so, (while I am still around, obviously). Do I pay them for that time? Or is that considered part of the interview?

Also, several of the applicants mentioned that they have clean driving records. I feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone I don't know that well driving my kids anywhere, at least for a while. Is it weird to ask them to just watch the kids in the house? (I'm fine with them going for walks once the weather gets nicer).

Thanks! 

SeaSoul

nicolita14w:

A couple random questions. I have a couple interested candidates who are going to  come by in the next few days so we can meet. If I like them, I would like to let them play with the kids for maybe 1/2 hour or so, (while I am still around, obviously). Do I pay them for that time? Or is that considered part of the interview?

I would just observe, but also talk with the candidate.  We had a babysitter come over who was recommended by a friend and we chatted with her, then after Cal warmed up with her, he went up to her and she was very engaging and we just all stayed in the same room and chatted while she played w/ Cal.  It'll probably all come very naturally if the candidate is good with kids.

nicolita14w:

Also, several of the applicants mentioned that they have clean driving records. I feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone I don't know that well driving my kids anywhere, at least for a while. Is it weird to ask them to just watch the kids in the house? (I'm fine with them going for walks once the weather gets nicer).

No, you call the shots and if you don't want the babysitter taking the kids anywhere, that's the way it'll be.  Plus, you'd have to either swap cars or install the carseat in her/his car and that would be a drag anyway.  I think they're just offering that info in case you do want them to go out with the kids.  We had friends babysit Cal for a while before he was in daycare and no one ever took him anywhere, except for my mom. 

GuitaristsGirl

I agree with SeaSoul   Especially on the part about not wanting anyone to drive with them.  I don't even let my mom drive DS (although there's a whole story there ), I definitely wouldn't let a sitter! 

howleyshell

1.  I would pay them for time watching your children.  You want to establish a relationship of respect.  Respect their time enough to compensate them for it.  On the other hand - I was able to tell a LOT about care givers from watching how they responded to the kids during the actual interview.  Some didn't look at or respond to my kids at al - they got nixed.  Others were right on the floor with them WHILE we were interviewing.  Those were the ones I was interested in.  I did not pay them for that time - we were doing the actual interview while we all kinda played together.

2.  No biggie at all to not have them drive your kids.  In that industry they usually get asked and so volunteer the info up front.  I would simply explain your game plan during the interview and make sure they're fine with sticking close and not driving them places.

GL! 

Mr.&MrsS

nicolita14w:

A couple random questions. I have a couple interested candidates who are going to  come by in the next few days so we can meet. If I like them, I would like to let them play with the kids for maybe 1/2 hour or so, (while I am still around, obviously). Do I pay them for that time? Or is that considered part of the interview?

Also, several of the applicants mentioned that they have clean driving records. I feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone I don't know that well driving my kids anywhere, at least for a while. Is it weird to ask them to just watch the kids in the house? (I'm fine with them going for walks once the weather gets nicer).

I used to babysit all the time. People would have me over to meet the kids, and let my play with them. I never got paid for that. I didnt really expect to either. Of course, I dont think it would hurt to pay them for that time...it might make them more excited to work with you. But I also dont think it is necessary or expected.

As for the driving...they are interviewing to work for you, you are the boss and you call the shots. If you dont want them taking the kids out that is fine, I would just mention it during the interview.

Good luck, I hope you find someone good!!

jenn2929

I feel as if that 1/2 hour is part of the interview and they should not be paid.  If someone is taking care of your child, you need to see how they interact with them first.  

My new sitter just started yesterday (we also found her on sittercity) and she also has a clean driving record, but I wouldn't let her take the kids anywhere for a LONG while.  Our old nanny never took them anywhere and she was with us for almost a year.  It just really depends on how comfortable you feel with her.

GL.  I hope everything works out for you.

 

brideinOC

Just an added thought, it's always good to know about their driving record in case there was some sort of emergency.  When I used to nanny, it was made clear that I wasn't going to be needed for transporting the kids, but there was one day that there was a minor medical emergency.  She kept a spare car seat in the garage and asked that I meet her at the ped's office with the baby which was quicker than her driving back to the house.  You never know...

nicolita14w

Thank you, everyone!