What to ask a babysitter when interviewing

[vvviola]

We have someone coming to the house tomorrow to discuss a babysitting job - initially a few hours every other weekend, progressing to occasional evenings as we all get to know each other. I've never had to interview a babysitter before (when DD1 was smaller we used a girl from her crèche or my parents, and DD2 has been a Velcro baby for a long time so since we moved here we haven't bothered)

What sort of thing should I ask? (She's through an agency so first aid cert and criminal record check done already through them).

She's currently nannying over the summer break before she goes back to uni - can I specifically ask about how she is dealing with her current charges (as they have a similar age gap to my two) or should I just keep the questions hypothetical (how would you deal with? Or have you dealt with?)

Or is it all really a case of gut feeling and how she interacts with the children (who I'm sure will play up and be absolute horrors and she won't want to come anywhere near the house ever again!)

Ask about all relevant experience they may have - how do they deal with children reluctant to go to bed (such as story in darkened bedroom in the hope they fall asleep whilst listening to the story), how they make up bottles (if appropriate - what age are your DDs?)

What snacks would they like left out - is there anything they are allergic to?

Do your DDs have any allergies - important to let babysitter know about anything such as this.

Or is it all really a case of gut feeling and how she interacts with the children

Yes in my view.

Watch how they interact with your DDs. I feel the interview is more about getting to know people, which for the babysitter means getting to know your children.

(who I'm sure will play up and be absolute horrors and she won't want to come anywhere near the house ever again!)

It is often good to see children at their worst, as then when you see them again they are much better than initial impression gave.

Make sure you explain how things work such as Heating controls. Consider if you will be providing WiFi access and if so let babysitter know if streaming video is ok as you have unlimited package or if it needs to be lighter usage such as mumsnetting.

I have recently started babysitting for several families. I have been babysitting for years but always for family friends children or local people who I already know, but since I have recently moved away I had to find some new families.
Just to give my perspective on things, all families found me through a childcare website and I met with them once before babysitting just so the kids could meet me. Most of them didn't really ask me much about my experience as this was all stated on my profile, I have previously been a nanny and my ex mum boss gave a fab reference, so they knew I was good with kids! The fact you found her through an agency is a good sign IMO.
When I met with the families, rather than them asking me endless questions, we just chatted more about the kids interests, my own interests, my availability, I then chatted with the children to see if it was a good match. It was very informal and was very child focussed.
Use your gut feeling, do they seem friendly? Are they easy to talk to and do they get along with the children? If so, then it should be a good match.
Good luck :)

Well, she was lovely. Lots of experience with toddler age group, experience of allergies and the DC loved her - even DD2 who takes a long time to warm up to people. Asked her lots about sibling rivalry and first aid qualifications and experience. She really impressed us and is coming next weekend for a trial 2 hours while we go down the road for coffee.

Success. I hope. And the possibility of a grown up meal with my DH for the first time in 2 years :)