It’s tough if you’re an OFW parent who needs someone to look after your children while you go to work, it can be daunting to think about getting a babysitter but unsure where to start and how to do it. Getting a babysitter can be challenging since you don’t want your children or child to be under the care of someone who is not trustworthy or unreliable. It will only add more problems and worries to you as an OFW parent which defeats the the purpose of getting a baby sitter, especially if you couldn’t afford daycare. Other countries has daycare options but let’s face it some couldn’t afford it and would resort to affordable options.
Hiring a baby sitter has always been an option for OFW parents since its easier and time tested, however there are pros and cons on hiring one but If you’re an OFW parent who needs to hire a babysitter soon since you’ll be off parental leave and you’re running out of time to find one, we have helpful tips to help you find a baby sitter!
1. Ask around for advice
You can get good recommendations from people you know. They may know reliable babysitters personally or be able to recommend one. The places they suggest to you personally can be a great place to begin your search. Asking for advice from people you know, like friends, family, or other OFWs, can give you valuable information and first-hand experiences. These people can talk about their own experiences with certain babysitters, pointing out their skills, dependability, and fit for childcare. Their suggestions can help you make smart choices and find a babysitter who has a history of taking good care of kids.
As an OFW, you may not know much about the community in your home country, the tools that are available, or reliable child care providers. Asking for tips from people who know the area well can help you get through the process more easily. They can help families find reliable babysitters through reputable agencies, neighborhood groups, or online platforms. With this help, you can find a reliable caregiver faster, with less work, and with less chance of getting upset.
2. Go to neighborhood churches or community halls
Local community spaces often serve as gathering points for families and individuals residing in the area. The attendees of these places of worship or community events are typically familiar with each other and share a sense of trust and common values. This creates a conducive environment for finding reliable and trustworthy babysitters.
Other neighborhood churches or community halls often have established networks and support systems in place. These networks can include parent groups, youth organizations, or childcare committees that can provide recommendations and connect families with potential babysitters. By tapping into these networks, OFWs can access a pool of individuals who are already embedded within the community and may have been vetted by other families.
3. Make use of social media and other online resources
Care.com, Sittercity, and even neighborhood Facebook groups can be useful resources. Check out the ratings, look at the profiles, and think about running a background check if you can.Search for Facebook groups or online communities that are focused on your town or the area where you need babysitting.
Members of these groups often live in the area and can give advice or even offer to watch kids. If you join these groups, you can talk directly to people who know the town and its resources. Another thing you can do is write a post about your child care needs and share it on your social media accounts or in community groups that are important. Include details like the number and ages of your children, the plan you want, the qualifications you want, and any other important information.
Get your friends and other people you know to share the story to make it more visible and reach more people. Many cities or regions have Facebook groups or online platforms that are all about parenting, families, or local community events. Join these groups or read these pages to connect with more parents and people who care for kids. Members can often post job ads or ask for recommendations for babysitters on these sites, which makes them a good way to connect with possible candidates.
4. Possible babysitters should be interviewed
Once you have a shortlist of qualified applicants, the next step is to conduct interviews. Interrogate them on their level of expertise, their availability, and their approach to child care. Think about how well they fit in with your child’s requirements and your family’s beliefs. Consider individuals who have had prior professional experience caring for children, such as babysitting or working in a daycare. Think about things like their CPR and first aid credentials and experience. These show that they care for the well-being of their students and are prepared for any kind of crisis that may arise.
5. Conduct a detailed background checks
You may want to look into the applicants’ pasts for your own peace of mind. Referee checks, background investigations, and certification or skill verification are all examples of this. The first step is to interview the sitter and get all the necessary details. Get their full name, where they live, and how to get in touch with them, and don’t forget to ask for references from former companies or families they’ve worked for. Contact these people and ask about the babysitter’s dependability, trustworthiness, and how well they get along with kids.
The next step is to think about getting a background check done. You may get a background check through specialized companies or websites in many countries. The results of these investigations can shed light on any potentially troubling convictions or other records. When performing background checks, it is critical to adhere to all applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations.
You might also do an internet search to learn more about the babysitter. Their online presence, hobbies, and activities may all be gleaned through their use of social media platforms. Although this shouldn’t be the only factor considered, it might provide you some insight into the person.
6. Trust your instincts
Trust your instincts when choosing a babysitter. Pay attention to how they interact with your child during the interview and observe their demeanor. If something doesn’t feel right, continue your search. Choose a babysitter based on your gut. During the interview, pay close attention to the interviewer’s personality and how he or she interacts with your child. If something doesn’t seem quite right, keep looking.
7. Make sure your goals are crystal clear
Talk to your kid about their daily schedule, their eating habits, their behavior, and their safety. To make sure everyone is on the same page, put instructions or schedules in writing.The routine and schedule of your child needs to be shared. Give specifics on when they eat, when they sleep, and what therapies or activities they need. The sitter will be able to provide consistent care for your child throughout the day. Tell them about what your kid likes and dislikes. Discuss their preferred playthings, pastimes, and other related topics. This paves the way for the babysitter to foster your child’s growth and happiness through positive interactions.
Explain to your youngster exactly what expectations and restrictions they must adhere to. Limits on screen usage, rules about appropriate behavior, and precautions are all examples of this. Make sure the sitter gets it and agrees to stick to these guidelines.
8. Keep the lines of communication open
Make sure you can easily and regularly contact the babysitter. You should ask them to keep you updated on your child’s whereabouts, pursuits, and any worries they may have. Maintain consistent communication with them to solve problems and offer suggestions. Get your babysitter to keep you posted on your kid’s whereabouts, what they’re eating, and any major changes. Brief handwritten notes, SMS messages, or a shared digital calendar might all serve this purpose.
Make it easy for people to talk to one another. Emphasize that you value the nanny’s opinion and feedback on your child’s well-being. If they have any concerns or questions about your child’s care, tell them to speak out.
Respond quickly and thoughtfully to your babysitter’s communications and requests. If they have any questions or demands regarding your child’s health, routines, or anything else that you deem crucial to their care, make sure to address them as soon as possible.
Always speak in a manner befitting a professional relationship. Remember that communication is a two-way street; in order to be effective, you must listen carefully, take into account the other person’s point of view, and offer criticism when its appropriate.
9. Create a safety net for everyone
Build a support system of reliable friends and family members to rely on in case of an unexpected event or when your go-to babysitter is unavailable. People in your social circle who are also parents are good examples.
Keep in mind that it may take some time and effort to find a reliable babysitter. Make sure that your child is secure and happy by carefully interviewing possible caregivers and keeping lines of communication open at all times. It’s important to take your time and do your research while looking for a babysitter for your child.
Here are some important traits to look for in a reliable babysitter:
Consider a sitter’s credentials by asking about their experience with children of a comparable age to yours. An individual’s grasp of child development and their capacity to handle different scenarios can be gauged by their prior employment with children in a nanny, classroom, or daycare setting. Prioritizing candidates with first-aid and CPR training is wise.
- Credibility and dependability:
The finest nannies are reliable and trustworthy. They will be prompt, attentive to your needs, and concerned first and foremost with the well-being of your child. Verify the applicant’s claims of dependability and integrity by contacting their references.
- Relationship compatibility with your kid:
All children are different and have specific requirements. Your child will benefit most from having a babysitter who can form a rapport with them, learn about their likes and dislikes, and create an atmosphere that is both safe and stimulating. Assess the babysitter’s capacity to engage and bond with your child by seeing how they interact with your child during the interview.
- Patience and flexibility
The best babysitters are patient and flexible enough to deal with the unpredictable nature of children. They remain level-headed in the face of adversity, have learned to control their children’s tantrums, and will tailor their approach to your child’s unique personality. Talk about make-believe situations throughout the interview to test how well the candidate handles stress and how well they solve problems.
A caring babysitter is one who can adapt to each child’s unique needs and interests. The children feel safe and trusted because they are given individualized attention. They pay close attention while the kids talk and provide words of reassurance and sympathy. A babysitter’s patience and warmth go a long way toward making kids feel at ease and allowing them to develop their full potential.
- Ability to convey ideas effectively
The parents and the child can always count on a wonderful babysitter because she keeps lines of communication open. They pay close attention to your child, ask pertinent questions, and communicate your child’s status, interests, and any worries clearly and concisely. Establishing trust and making sure everyone is on the same page are both aided by open lines of communication.
- Advocate for child safety
The most skilled sitters will never put the children’s safety at risk. They pay close attention, keep a sharp eye out, and take all necessary safety measures to avoid mishaps. Concerning safety measures, first aid training, and contingency plans, you should inquire further.
A babysitter who is concerned about the safety of children should make maintaining open lines of communication with the children and their parents a top priority. Safety standards, such using seatbelts, playing with age-appropriate toys, and refraining from risky behavior, should have explicit guidelines and expectations established. When parents and babysitters are able to talk about any issues that arise, everyone can rest certain that the child is protected.
By setting an example, a babysitter might encourage parents to prioritize their children’s safety. They should provide a good example by obeying driving laws, using proper language, and maintaining a clean and healthy routine for themselves. A responsible babysitter may instill in kids a lifelong commitment to personal safety by modeling appropriate behavior in a variety of settings.
- Committed to the role and the child
In addition to keeping your child from spending too much time in front of the TV, a competent babysitter will keep them occupied with fun and educational activities. Determine if the babysitter can keep your child entertained with age-appropriate games and activities by asking them about their philosophy on play and entertainment.
- Ownership and professionalism
A reliable babysitter understands the gravity of their position and acts accordingly. They keep their appointments, show up on time, are discreet about your personal information, and carry themselves professionally.
During the interview, go with your gut feeling to determine how professional they seem. They will keep lines of communication open and friendly by returning calls and texts quickly and treating both parents and kids with respect. Another aspect of professionalism is doing what you’re told, staying within the lines, and keeping to the routines and schedules you and others have set. Seeing how the babysitter treats your kids might tell you a lot about their reliability. A responsible babysitter will take an active interest in the kids’ activities and play.
- Recommendations and compliments from others
You should check the babysitter’s references with former employers or families they’ve worked for. You can learn more about the babysitter’s reliability and level of service by contacting the references they provided. Recommendations from satisfied parents can be an indication of a babysitter’s superior abilities.
Keep in mind that finding the most suitable babysitter for your child may be a matter of opinion and of what is most important to your family. Don’t rush the hiring process; instead, take your time and conduct as many interviews as necessary to discover the person who best fits your needs. Always go with your gut and put your child’s well-being first to ensure his or her safety.
Parents who are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) may find that hiring a babysitter presents both opportunities and challenges. Here are some benefits and drawbacks to think about:
Pros:
1. Assistance with child care:
Your child will have critical childcare support provided by a babysitter while you are away, guaranteeing that their needs will be addressed and that they will be cared for in your absence.
2. The maintenance of continuity and stability at home
Your child will be able to maintain consistency and predictability in their daily routine if you hire a babysitter for them. They have the opportunity to establish a reliable relationship with the babysitter, which can contribute to the development of a sense of comfort and familiarity.
3. Flexibility
A babysitter may provide you with flexibility in terms of scheduling and can accommodate your work hours, which will allow you to complete the duties that come with your employment as an OFW.
4. Specialized care
If you are able to discover a babysitter who has expertise or training in particular fields (such as early childhood education or special needs care), then they will be able to give specialized care and support that is targeted to your child’s specific requirements.
5. Interaction with other people
A babysitter can make it easier for your child to socialize with other children, whether by setting up play dates or group outings, or by encouraging your child to participate in age-appropriate activities that are beneficial to their social development.
Cons:
1. Influence on the emotions
Already being away from your child for a significant amount of time because you are an OFW can be an emotionally trying experience. The presence of a babysitter could make emotions of guilt or anxiety about being apart from the child even more intense.
2. Dependence upon another individual
Because you are relying on a babysitter for your child’s safety, it is natural to be concerned about the babysitter’s trustworthiness, expertise, and dependability. You are entrusting the care of your child to another person. At the same time, most common scenario happening is your child or children becoming more attached to the babysitter than the real parents.
3. Communication problems
Because of the different time zones and the limited availability, it might be difficult for an OFW to stay connected with their child and the babysitter and to keep open lines of communication with both parties. This can lead to breakdowns in communication and make it more difficult to maintain awareness of your child’s day-to-day activities and overall state of health.
4. The challenge of hiring a qualified babysitter
Finding a babysitter who is both trustworthy and reliable can be a tough and time-consuming endeavor. When you are not physically present to monitor the selection process, it is extremely important to do meticulous screening, complete background checks, and in-depth interviews with potential candidates.
5. Cost
Employing a babysitter will result in additional costs, which will need to be accounted for when developing your financial plan. The cost of employing a babysitter might vary significantly from one region to another, as well as according to the required level of experience or certifications.
6. Potentially different approaches of parenting
It’s possible that the babysitter approaches parenting and discipline in a way that’s different from how you handle it. This may result in disagreements or confrontations regarding the manner in which your child is cared for and handled.
When considering whether or not to have a babysitter as an OFW, it is essential to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks, assess your unique circumstances, and put the health and safety of your child first and foremost in your mind. You may assist relieve some of the obstacles and ensure that your child will receive the best possible care in your absence by maintaining open communication with the babysitter and working to create trust with them.