Many parents will cringe at the idea of hiring a babysitter online. After all, haven’t we all been told to beware of strangers? And most people online are strangers. Ironically, what most parents do not realize is that hiring a babysitter online through a reliable baby sitting service agency is actually safer than hiring someone who you think will be able to watch your kids.
All parents have heard horror stories with regard to children being left in the care of baby sitters or other child care givers. Ironically, most of these situations involve the children being left in the care of someone who the parent trusted – A family member; a neighbor; a friend. Most children who become the victims of abuse are abused by someone who they know and trust.
Many parents are afraid to say anything to their brother, sister, uncle or other family member, even when they see signs of abuse on their children. It can be so horrible that they have a tough time comprehending what is going on. And because the abuser is a trusted person, children are often reluctant to say anything about it, lest they upset the family. You are actually safer hiring someone from an online agency. At least they will do a background check, reference check and make sure that the person to whom they send you to watch your children has solid references.
This is not to say that you just blindly go about entrusting the care to your children to anyone online who is registered with an agency. You still have to go through the interview process. You still have to ask questions and you should still check references. And if anything seems to be a little bit out of sync to you, go with your instincts.
You can never be too trusting when it comes to hiring someone for child care of your children. However, you have just as much of a chance of finding a good babysitter online as you do off line. The truth of the matter is that we really never know anyone. A friend may recommend a good babysitter but not be aware that the teenager has a drinking problem or an abusive boyfriend. You are better off to have as many options open to you as possible, including online services, when you are choosing child care for your children.
When you use an online agency for child care, take the time to do your due diligence with regard to investigating their background, their references and talking to them. See how they interact with your children. You should do this no matter who you hire for child care, even if it is the child of a neighbor who you trust. Above all, trust your instincts when it comes to finding the right person for child care. You have just as much of a chance hiring a good babysitter online as you do hiring a babysitter from anywhere else as long as you take the proper precautions, ask the right questions and listen to your instincts.