Babysitters?!

I am looking searching for a reliable babysitter to watch my two children on the rare occasion my husband and I would like to go to dinner alone.

I have a 3 year old and 9 year old and have never hired an outside babysitter (wouldn't you say it's time). Looking for a teenager I can trust in the neighbhorhood- anyone have any recommendations? Also, what's the going rate these days?

Thanks!

 

PM'd you

 

There's a whole list of babysitters in the monthly newsletter.

 

i don't think i would use a babysitter that i didn't personally know or that was referred by friends who have kids around the same age and have used them as a sitter. too many unknowns.

a sitter that is good for my 10 year old son might not do as well for a baby, knowhatimean?

we interviewed sitters by having them come over first, with a parent for those under 18, meet the boy, chit chat a bit, and watched how comfy or not they were with us, the kid, etc.

that said- there are plenty of responsible, nice kids around here- you'll find a sitter that fits!

 

Totally agree with redon here. Just because they're on the list doesn't mean it's a perfect fit for your family. And also thinking that anyone can put a name on the list, I still would want another parent on the boards, or a neighbor actually refer me. We've had babysitters in for interviews and can tell pretty quickly their comfort level with our particular age group. That said... I"m always looking for a backup for at most once or twice a month so if anyone has a recommendation please PM me too. ;-)

 

As I appreciate your thoughrts - of course I would interview the babysitter first! I was just asking for recommendations of anyone who was great vs. picking up the newsletter and just calling. We are looking for a great, resposible, reliable person and what better recommendation then someone who has children and loves their sitter? This was only the first step in the process.

 

I pm'd you.

 

How things have changed...I never was interviewed when I babysat.