What Questions to Ask Babysitters

I am a sitter myself and also a mother. I think the best thing you can do is to let each sitter have some time with your son. You'll know if they click or not. You can hire the most experienced sitter, but if they don't click with your son it won't matter. Also ask what kind of activities he/she will do with your son. Will it be just unorganized play or more structured. Also, be very clear on you wants and needs. Make sure the sitter knows exactly what your expectations are going into the job. Good Luck!!!

I don't know if you are asking about night time sitters while you go out or day care sitters while you are at work but one complaint I have with daytime sitters is "What will they do if my child won't eat what is served for meals and what do they do if my child will not take a nap." Both are important to my child's well being and it seems that some daycare centers will not go above and beyond to make sure your child gets what it needs. Also discipline approach is important.

In addition to ones already said, I am big on the cell phone. I have had sitters come over and are already looking at their cell phone while I am still there. That gets me mad. I don't like sitters to be chatting to friends, answering their phone, or texting while on my dime. So, I make sure to state this to them and see their response. If I don't like it, or I ask my son if they are on the cell phone while I was out, I will possibly not use them again.

Why do you like working with kids? what's your favorite age?
During your past babysitting experiences, what was the worst day/experience you had? what happened and how did you handle it? how would you do things differently next time?
What was the best babysitting day/experience you ever had?
Who has been your favorite employer and why? (doesn't have to name names, but just think of that person and describe why)
Think of your worst boss and why you didn't like working for them.
What's your ideal relationship like with a boss?
Basically, questions to determine if the person if right for both your son and for you. Trust your gut and listen to your instincts, you'll know best.

Google "Babysitter questions" to get some ideas. I have a 20 question list I start with. It's important to do a "get-to-know" you session first. If you want my list, PM me and I can email it to you.

How do you discipline. Would you ever consider spanking my child. Do you have a set schedule planned for children. What would you do for a fire/tornado/earthquake. What would you do if my child was severely injured? Mildly injured? Would you ever leave my child unnattended? Would you ever have friends/strangers in my house? That's about all I can think of right now.

As a former daycare provider, I think the best thing to do is to just make sure that your child and the possible sitter have a few minutes to interact. Does that person seem comfortable interacting? Does your child seem comfortable? Since it is a short time period and not a daily interaction, types of activities they will do etc will come naturally if they seem to be able to interact with each other with ease. Safety is always important, but don't forget that this person is your substitute for a short time and your child will need someone that can interact with them to ease their fears while you are gone.

Hope this helps.

If you are asking about daycare I would ask what type of cirriculum they have for the children and how do they discipline the children- time outs, spankings, etc.. What do they feed them for meals. Are diapers, wipes, included in the price.
If you are just talking about a regular babysitter for every now and then I always like to speak with the parents as well as the actual babysitter and let them meet my children and myself first.