How I found a sitter.

My advice to new parents? FIND A SITTER! If you are far from family, it is hard to find someone you can trust with the most precious and priceless thing in your life. But, it is absolutely necessary for your sanity and a strong relationship with your partner. Also, it is healthy for a child to learn that when you leave, it is not permanant, you return.

Here is what I did to find a sitter:

1. Advertise. I made a family profile on care.com. They have background checks and references on the site. I was specific with what I needed. If someone was from out of town, I realized they were probably not coming in to Detroit for late night sitting. So, I looked for someone local. Also, if they put that they were not willing to do light cleaning, they were off my list. I wasn’t going to ask a sitter to clean, but that just sounded lazy to me.
2. Meet in a Neutral Location. After a few email responses, I chose a few sitters to interview. They all went to Wayne State, so I met them at the Starbucks on Mack and Woodward. Don’t invite strangers from online into your home. Unless they are there to clean rugs. I have done that before. Worked out well for me.
3. Interview. It was important for me that the sitter be energetic, respectful and answer all my questions. They weren’t hard. But surprisingly I got a few “Ummm. I don’t know” responses. One girl used this response for nearly all my questions. (Interview 101: That’s not the right answer.)
4. Listen to Your Gut. When something is not right, I get strong feelings about it. That’s my gut telling me to run in the opposite direction. I can honestly say that listening to this instinct has rescued me from some potentially awful situations. If someone doesn’t seem right for your family, doesn’t mean they are a bad person but it does mean THEY ARE NOT RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY!
5. Test Drive. Interviews complete, I had my sitter. She was exactly what I was looking for but I wasn’t ready to leave her alone with my sweet little baby boy. I had her come over while Ryan and I painted a room in our house. She was on Jack duty while we cleaned house. We were able to observe the two of them together and both Ryan and I were so happy with the results. Jack was pretty impressed also.
6. Pay Well.  Now is not the time to be cheap. Your child is priceless and if you find someone you like, compensate them accordingly. If I called last minute, she made herself available. I think this has a bit to do with treating and paying her well.

However you go about safely choosing a sitter for your family, use them. Often. Date your partner and foster your relationship. This may be the greatest gift you ever give your child.

Parents, how did you find your sitter? Any advice you would add to the list?

With love from Detroit,

Callie