Updated on August 20, 2010
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If you’re like many working parents, you probably see back-to-school as a time when you need to start lining up a babysitter… or two. After all, once the end of the year gets underway, it’s nice to have someone you trust to call upon!
The problem is that many moms and dads equate “trust” with “going with gut instincts”. Instead of thoroughly background checking someone who will be watching their youngsters, they go with one or more of the following criteria:
a. Whether or not they “like” the babysitter.
b. How much the babysitter charges.
c. How available the babysitter is.
d. Whether they are satisfied with the babysitter’s references.
While these are all great criteria, they aren’t fallible because they don’t answer the bigger question: Does this babysitter have anything on his/her record that parents should know about?
Now, a 12-year-old babysitter probably isn’t going to have a criminal record, of course. But a college student or other adult could indeed have a past that would make a parent not want him or her to be in charge of any kids.
The good news is that it’s not impossible to get a thorough background check on potential babysitters and nannies. So don’t leave anything up to chance. Get the best, most reliable ‘sitter you can find.
