questions to ask babysitter

[samoa]

I have started the search for a babysitter so that I may have some afternoons free (need to look for job and learn driving) and one evening to spend with my dh. I was just wondering what kind of questions you would ask the babysitter during the interview.

Thanks!

The most important question would be "what kind of experience do you have with children?" You don't want a kid who's never really looked after babies before...also write a list of what you think might possibly go wrong and ask her how she'd cope. e.g. baby throws up twice after eating...what do you do?" or toddler has major tantrum..how do you cope?" Also, GET REFERENCES preferably from parents have used the person before...ask around to see if your friends could recommend someone...it's risky to take on a complete stranger. Make sure you see the person interact with your child...leave them together in the garden and spy from an upstairs window for example!
I think all childminders have to be CRB checked these days...ask to see it. good Luck!

Childminders have to be CRB checked but babysitters don't. I think samoa is looking for the latter, is that right samoa?

Have you tried a babysitting agency? Their sitters will have had all the checks they need and most, I think, are Childminders in the day so have plenty of experience with children and qualifications.

I know that doesn't quite answer your question but thought it might be helpful

Babysitting is usually evening childcare - under UK legislation childcare provided between 6pm and 2am is unregulated. Some babysitters will expect children to be in, or on the way to bed. So what abilities you want a babysitter to have could well differ from the abilities of someone who you would use for daytime care.

You will want to know things such as:
previous experience caring for children of a similar age to your own
first aid knowledge - do they know at least some basics such as dealing with a nose blead
how well they interact with your children - put them together in a room for a while and watch from a distance
how often they are likely to be available & at what times to/from

Are you looking for a regular babysitter or an ad hoc person?

I agree with what nick said for an evening babysitter, plus a few questions about how they'd settle your child back to sleep if they woke.

If your DCs are going to be awake you probably want to be asking 'nanny' type questions such as:

What are your views on discipline?
What activities would do with the children?
What food would you cook?

what would you do if a child chokes?

what do you think makes a good babysitter?

google nanny interview questions online (there are lots), and pick the ones that you like