Deciding to leave your children in the care of someone else is a big decision. Finding the right person for this job is a responsibility that takes time and a lot of consideration. Do you need to find a babysitter, or do you feel you need a nanny?
So, what is the difference between the two? The definitions of a babysitter and nanny are similar with regard to general duties. Each cares for a child’s daily needs, (should) have general First Aid and CPR knowledge, can prepare healthy meals, change diapers, and bathe the child. Nannies, in the past, were thought of as part of the household staff, or the person responsible for caring only for the children, not the household. That definition has since changed.
Today’s requirements are that a professional nanny studies child development at a university or completes extensive studies in child rearing, and is expected to live in the home of their employer, caring for the child six to seven days per week. The term “nanny” came to the United States from Europe. It’s a term used in more urban areas to identify someone that feels their training and experience deems them more qualified than just a babysitter.
Knowing how to find babysitters is different than identifying a girl or boy, from down the street that wants to earn extra money. You want to find babysitters that will engage your child, play games, will help the child learn their alphabet, or do homework with an older child. Having someone that you trust enough to drive your child to and from extra activities, or to and from appointments, would be an added and helpful benefit.
How do you find local babysitters? Many parents rely on word-of-mouth from friends when it comes to needing babysitters for random evening or daytime needs. To find a local babysitter for weekly needs may require the use of an agency, newspaper advertisements, or you could place your own classified ad seeking a caregiver. Today, there’s also the option of the Internet, where you can search for babysitters or nannies that have registered their services. If the babysitter has an in-home business and cares for more than three children, they most likely need to be licensed with the state as a childcare facility. This type of situation usually means all care takes place in that home and the babysitter cannot take your child out for appointments and activities.
Checking a babysitter’s credentials and references will be your best method of determining your local babysitter’s qualifications. It is also a good idea to let your child spend time with the potential babysitter. If your child is going to spend their days with this person, confirming the child’s comfort level is important. Your babysitter is going to be a “role model” for your child, so making sure their beliefs are similar to yours may be important to you as well. This is not going to be something listed on their resume. You will need to spend some time with this individual to assess their personality and again talking to other people for whom they have worked will give you the most important information.
If you find a babysitter that suits your needs, you will need to negotiate their salary. If you find a local babysitter that considers themselves a nanny because of their education, you can expect they will want a higher salary than a babysitter. A childcare facility may also be less expensive than in-home care, but the services are very different. You will need to closely examine your household needs. Keep in mind, there may be out-of-pocket expenses such as gas, groceries, and luncheons away from the home, among others, that will need to be reimbursed. Make sure you are clear in the beginning regarding the method through which this will be charged.
Finding the right babysitter or nanny for you and your family is a very important decision. You need to be completely comfortable in your selection before you leave your child, and your home, in the care of a babysitter.
For more information on selecting the right babysitter or nanny for your child, click here.