Sometimes some parents need help with taking care of their children and decide to hire a caretaker. Here we share some tips so you can select the most suitable person for the job.

Each family has different needs when it comes to caring for their children. Some parents have full-time jobs, others have more flexible schedules, and some parents have different sorts of commitments with which they need assistance. Whatever the case, most parents need help to care for their children, and choosing someone for this important task can be a bit overwhelming. Here we would like to share some advice on what to take into account to make this process easier.

When hiring a caretaker for your little one, it doesn’t matter how long for, you must make sure they are qualified to do the job (check their references and training thoroughly). To make sure the caretaker is right for your family, you must meet them personally and talk to them about the house rules, as well as your expectations, and make sure they use positive discipline methods.

For example, clarify if your child is allowed to watch TV and for how long, which activities they’re allowed to do (playing reading, going out for a walk, etc.), what types of food and snacks your child can have, and if there are any rooms or places that are not allowed in, like the laundry room. When their shift ends, the caretaker should be able to inform you about the activities they did with your child, and any other important details or events that might have happened.

Tips to Interview and Hire a Caretaker

When you meet possible caretakers, these are some of the things you can ask to consider if they’re the right person to care for your child:

• What other jobs have they had?
• How old were the kids they cared for before?
• What responsibilities did they have at their previous jobs?
• How have they handled difficult situations? (i.e., if the child doesn’t want to eat or refuses to take a nap and wants to keep playing)
• What activities do they like to do with children?
• You can add any other questions you might find pertinent or important. For example, if you need the caretaker to cook or prepare snacks, you can ask about their cooking skills.

Some Safety Measures

We know that you want to make sure you’re leaving your child in good hands, and the safest possible circumstances. These are some of the safety measures to keep in mind when you hire a new caretaker:

• Make sure they have first aid training and know how to respond during an emergency.
• Show them the house and point out emergency exits, and rooms and areas of the house that can be potentially dangerous, like the place where medicines or cleaning products are kept.
• Give the caretaker thorough information about any allergies or special needs that your child might have.
• Keep emergency objects like flashlights and first aid kits available, and make sure they know where to find them.
• Give them a list with emergency contacts (doctors, fire department, police, ambulance, etc.), as well as your number and that of a trusted neighbor or family member.

How Should I Introduce My Child to The caretaker?

We shouldn’t forget about the protagonist of this situation: your child! Any novelty or change in their routine can be a source of stress for your little one, even if the new caretaker is kind and well prepared. It’s important that you take some time to prepare your child, and help them adapt. Here are some tips on how you can do that:

• Let your child spend some time with the caretaker while you are present, so they can get to know each other before you leave them by themselves.
• Talk to your child about their new caretaker, tell them who they are, and explain why they will come to care for them.
• Show your child that you trust and like the caretaker.
• Read a book or tell your child a story about childcare, like a story about a nanny or a teacher.

Remember that the most important part of this process, apart from finding someone you can trust with this delicate task, is that your child feels comfortable and safe. Talk to your little one about how they feel, and consider their thoughts when choosing someone to care for them.

By following all these tips, you will surely be able to find and hire a caretaker who will help you in the task of caring for and stimulating the development of your little one. 

Did you like this article? Do you have any other advice on this topic? Share it with other moms and dads by leaving a comment.

References:

• Safety & Prevention at Home
• Power of Play