Wellness

• Give yourself enough time to search for and interview a sitter. Try to interview more than one sitter to allow for comparison – don’t cram too many interviews into one day.
• Personally interview the sitter. Create a relaxed atmosphere that shows that you are well-organized. Ask specific and scenario-type questions and be sure to describe your position in detail. Avoid asking the sitter to provide childcare during the first interview.
• Perform screening and reference checks for each sitter. Consider asking each for a Police Record check. Any sitter that is caring for an infant and/or toddler should have current First Aid and CPR training. Ask for references and call them; they can either confirm what the sitter has said, or contradict it. If you use a placement agency, you should still do this.
• Be honest and realistic about your expectations of the sitter before hiring. Provide your sitter with the detailed job description that you have prepared. Include your child’s temperament and development.
• Before hiring the sitter, have her come to your home for a paid trial day. You can observe how the sitter interacts with your children, and can ensure that she is the right match for your family. This also gives your child time to become comfortable with the sitter.
• When you choose a sitter, ensure that you and your sitter agree upon all responsibilities, duties, wage, hours and terms of employment before the sitter starts work in your home – this should be in writing and signed by both sitter and parent.
• On the first day, take the sitter for a tour of your home before they start. Provide them with the location of the First Aid kit and fire extinguisher, as well as any emergency plans you have made with your children. Make them aware of any rooms that the children are not allowed to go in or play in.
• Take time to prepare your child(ren). If your child(ren) is old enough, talk to them about what to expect and encourage them to ask questions and express fears.
• Leave your sitter with all emergency information. This should include all emergency services, a phone number for where you will be and an immediate adult backup number.
• Write out instructions – including warming bottles and food, routines, special conditions or medications.
• When it is time to leave for the first time, say goodbye to the children and the sitter and leave. Don’t sneak out – this makes your children think there is something wrong.

Martha Scully is the owner and founder of CanadianNanny.ca. When she is not helping thousands of parents across Canada find childcare, she is raising her two busy daughters in beautiful Nanaimo, BC. She has been featured on

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