safetyFor busy families in need of babysitters and nannies the internet provides a new world of opportunity to enlist the services of qualified professionals dedicated to meeting the specific needs of their family clients. While the wide reach of the internet means vast selection and many available candidates, choosing the right sitter or nanny for your family can be an experience filled with anxiety and worry. How can parents ensure that the people they are meeting are who they say they are? How do parents know who to trust?

Babysitter and Nanny Websites: How They Protect Your Children

There are many websites dedicated to providing a screened and verified pool of babysitters and nannies to families in need. But how do these websites work and how do they protect children from predation, abuse and exploitation? Though each website has their own way of screening applicants parents should always check that the website clearly spells out this screening and validation process.

Some features to look for when choosing a database include:

  • The ability for parents to do and see the background checks
  • An identification check and validation process
  • 3rd party reviewing process to ensure a double-check of credentials
  • Monitored messaging and screened messaging

The reputation of these databases is based upon the quality of their applicants and looking to see how well they are reviewed by other parents or their Better Business Bureau status are just a couple of ways to further investigate the quality and safety of their services.

Questions Parents Should Ask Before Hiring a Sitter

Though the internet gives parents the ability to screen and review applicants one of the most important steps is the personal contact and interview of the applicant. Though any one applicant may look perfect on paper, it is important to choose someone with the appropriate temperament and attitude that best fits the family’s lifestyle. Having a set of interview questions is a great way to start the process and quickly weed out undesirable applicants.

Questions might include:

  • Tell us about your previous childcare experiences starting with your most recent one.
  • How would you describe your disciplinary approach or how would you deal with this situation? Give a common scenario encountered with your children.
  • What is your favorite part about being a babysitter/nanny and what part do you dislike most?
  • What kind of certifications do you have? Are you First Aid and CPR certified? Are you bilingual?
  • Do you prefer a consistent schedule that stays the same or do you prefer flexibility? This answer will give you a good indicator of whether they will be a good match for your family’s schedule.

Choosing a nanny or babysitter online is an ideal solution for many parents looking for the added guarantee and services of background checks and screening processes. Though it is a less personal experience than hiring your neighbor’s certified teenager it allows parents to hire a professional who is dedicated to the health, well-being and care of your children.

Find the perfect nanny for your family’s needs by visiting AuPair.org.


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