Date nights. We love them and dare I say “dread” them all at the same time. Of course we love
getting dressed up and we’re super excited to get some alone time with hubby, but then you
remember “Oh wait...who will watch the kids?” I have spent hours calling relatives, searching Facebook groups, asking neighbors, and asking close friends for their sitters (people really do
horde sitters!) - and still no luck.
After all the time searching, you almost want to say “forget it, let’s just stay in”. I always say to
myself, am I asking for too much? Are my standards for sitters too high? I really don’t think they
are. I just want a sitter who is:
1. Reliable: If we agree on a time, let’s stick to it! Of course I know emergencies happen, but sending a text an hour before and saying “Hi Mrs. Jackson, I have an event for school. I won’t be able to make it tonight”.....major let down.
2. Engaging: I have two boys FULL of energy - they want to play! Please don’t let them just sit and watch Paw Patrol for 3 hours.
3. Trustworthy: Growing up in Tennessee, babysitters were not common. When I was younger, my mom would only let family care for me and even then it was always grandparents. I love to build long lasting relationships with my sitters, I want to be able to trust them completely and feel as though they are part of the family.
4. Professional: The best sitter I ever had moved away about a year ago. I was so sad to see her go. She was always on time, sent me texts updates just to give me peace of mind, always cleaned up and even helped out around the house if there was time. Coming home to find out that someone has unloaded the dishwasher, like WOW.....You have no idea how many times I asked her to move in with us! And..last but not least, #5
5. Genuinely LOVES Kids: I babysat my entire way through college, and of course I loved making the side cash..but I really loved kids. Parent loved how I went the extra mile to meet the individual needs of their children.
My husband thinks I am setting the bar way too high for sitters, “I think you’re looking for a sitter
who reminds you of yourself when you were a sitter” But what’s wrong with that?! Not to toot my
own horn, but by the time I graduated college, I had worked for over 75 families throughout GA.
I eventually said, okay well let’s try one of those sitting services and that’s when we found
SitterTree- A sitting community started locally in Atlanta. They basically do everything for you!
After making a profile online and quick phone chat with their Family Coordinator I was ready to
start requesting sitters. I make a request online, a coordinator selects a pre-screened sitter just
for me and boom - my sitter is confirmed! Every sitter goes through an in- person interview and
extensive background checks before being invited to join the community. Three months and 5
date-nights later, I must say..I am sold. Every sitter has given a #5star experience. You will
never hear me complain about how hard it is to find a sitter again. SitterTree is basically part of
the family!
This is a guest post.
Luckily I no longer have to worry about finding a baby sitter. These are really great tips.
ReplyDeleteThese are definitely important things that I would look for when finding a babysitter for my kids! I feel very blessed that I am able to stay at home with and homeschool them so I don't have to worry about a sitter anymore. I also have my dad who watches them whenever my husband and I need some time alone.
ReplyDeleteNice post thank you Bryan
ReplyDelete