This is one of the articles published in our last issue of Le Préventif (September 2008).
Click here to read our news paper in whole!
Choosing a babysitter, a question of security!
Before choosing a babysitter, here are some helpful hints
to make sure your child will be safe.
- When selecting a new babysitter, don’t hesitate to ask other parents or your child’s school to suggest a competent person. During the preliminary interview, ask for credible references.
- You should contact families for whom your potential babysitter has worked for. You should put a premium on a person who has followed the Red Cross’s special babysitting training course or who has first aid qualifications.
- You can ask for a good conduct certificate This certificate can be provided by your local police department and will give you an overview to find out if a person has a criminal record.
- During the interview, let the person play with your child in order to see if they get along. During the first visit, you should ask the babysitter to arrive an hour before you leave in order to give your child a chance to get used to the person.
- Always leave a phone number where you can be reached as well as an emergency contact list. Also leave your full address and phone number near the phone. In case of an emergency, your babysitter will have this information handy. Give the person a tour of your home and clearly explain all safety rules.
- If you have any doubts, you can come home an hour earlier than planned or an hour after you have left. Always listen to what your child tells you regarding a babysitter. Try to find out why they are leery of them. You can also let a trusted neighbour know that your child is being looked after by a babysitter. Ask if they have heard any yelling or unusual screams.
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