Watch Out For 8 Warning Signs Of A Bad Babysitter

A good babysitter is a genuine need of parents, but it is also equally a challenge. Here are a few signs that warn you that you have picked a bad babysitter and you should pick another immediately.

8 warning signs of a bad babysitter:

1) He/she does not engage in conversation with the parents and children: Be warned if the babysitter does not greet, smile or engage in small talk with the parents. She/he should ask about the children and converse to make you feel comfortable. The same thing applies to conversing with the children; the lack of which signals a strong lack of all-around communication.

2) He/she arrives late or is frequently unreliable: A chronically late or consistently cancelling babysitter without any valid reason and one that is insensitive to your plans is a bad babysitter. The same is true of a sitter who tells parents as they are getting ready to dash out the door that they must be home at a designated time that is different from what had been agreed to.

3) A babysitter should never invite a friend/date without the permission of the family: This could lead to less direct attention and interaction with the kids; a good reason for even termination.

4) He/she doesn’t seem to care or focus on instructions provided: A bad babysitter is one that does not note the instructions and acknowledge a thorough understanding; there is every reason for the parent to worry about any follow-through occurring. Though a parent can avoid this by providing written instructions, a good sitter will take notes or be able to recite the information back.

5) The kids wail when left alone with him/her: It is natural for most kids to not want to be away from parents, but if the kid becomes an emotional wreck when left alone with the babysitter there is a cause of concern.  If parents find that it is an individual only vs. having a sitter in general, then it is best to look elsewhere for the best interest of your child.

6) Kids have frequent accidents: It is normal for a kid to have a cut and a scrape or two, but frequent accidents where no explanation is offered by the babysitter could arise due to lack of supervision or physical abuse. Excessive accidents could signal trouble to the kids.  

7) Kids show a change of behavior while awake or change in sleep pattern: The parents need to be concerned if an otherwise outgoing and independent child suddenly becomes clingy and withdrawn, or begins waking up throughout the night with terrors or other sleep issues, and the change can be attributed to timing with a sitter. Parents should react swiftly and decisively, and determine whether there is need for further investigation. 

8) The babysitter seems lethargic and exhausted: Such a babysitter would not be able to give quality care to the kids while you have a good time without the kids and worries. Parents need to be wary of babysitters that simply keep the tiny tots in front of the TV and give orders to not be disturbed.  



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