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My DD has a 4 month old son, she is working PT 1-2 days per week. She has done her best to be a SAHM but her BF's income and benefits are not enough. After a lot of crying and prayer she has decided to take the FT position. I work M-F 8:30am-4pm, she will be working Tuesday-Saturday a mixture of days and evenings. The baby's father and I are going to keep him whenever we are not working so she will not need the babysitter for all the hours she works.
I told her I would help her find someone, it occured to me after I offered I never had to find anyone to watch my kids, if they weren't with me they were with my mother. I have a basic idea of what to look for and ask but I thought I should check with you ladies. I respect your opinions and welcome any advice you have. It breaks my heart (and my DD's) that we have to do this
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I say trust your instincts. Trust your gutt. Ask for references and call them. Ask about expierence, ask blunt questions like do they have a problem being recorded on a nanny cam? Even if you dont have one.. it would be good to see how they react to the question!
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I would also see how the baby and nanny perspective are together!! I think babies have a good instint as well!! just a thought!! I know when I babysat I wanted to meet the child before as well!
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CPR training is necessary. If they are older, be sure they know the latest news - babies sleep on their backs, no crying it out, etc.
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Well to say the least I am obessive about many things and dd it definately one of them. Where I live In illinois we have something called child care connection which is run by our local community college. I recieved a list of providers in my area and interviewed all of them. Included with my list was sample questions then of course due to my obessive nature I had several others. I caution her to be through as possible. After initial interviews I then set second interviews which dh went with me too. I know that her bf and you are going to help but I do advise a back up plan for the inevitable what if. I was looking for more of a day care situation but needed flexibility due to irradict days off and hours because of my position. I found a wonderful person and my dh and her grandparents supplement when needed. If you would like I could look for the list and send to you to help. PM if you would like it.
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Thank you all so much for your suggestions especially desertmom for the CPR suggestion.
I should know better being a nurse but I think working in this field has made me forget not everyone is trained.
We interviewed 3 potential sitters on the phone and decided to meet 2 of them. The one we decided not to meet had 3 infants under 6 months, she felt she was "ok" to take on another but I disagreed.
The 2 we met we great, neither had more than an hours notice that we were coming, both told us to stop by anytime. Their houses were very clean, I can see past the toys and laundry baskets. I don't expect an immaculate house when you have 4 kids under the age of 8. Neither home had smokers living there. Both homes were baby proofed. I had the opportunity to see how they and the kids interacted, and I checked references 2 current and 2 former parents of each.
I decided to go with the one who was CPR/First Aid trained (Thanks again desertmom) she is also an active member of our church - I heard nothing but wonderful things about her. Before becoming a SAHM she was a preschool teacher at our church. I felt very good about her as did my daughter. My little peanut seemed to really like her, he doesn't usually smile with strangers - he was ear to ear anytime she talked to him.
This was such a tough decision for us, we struggled for weeks trying to come up with an alternative to avoid going this route. I envy all you SAHM, you are so lucky to be able to be there for your children.
Thanks again
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PM me if you want. I have some literature from my dh's office that I can not post because of copyrights. It is in a word document...I can email it to you if you want. I have two different "packets" one for choosing an at home daycare...and one for a commercial daycare. Let me know if you would like me to forward it to you. It has some great checklists and what to look for, etc...