Transitioning to New Babysitter for My 15 Month Old...

is the sitter coming into your home or are you taking your daughter to her home? Consider looking around at home daycares in your area, it may make the adjustment easier for your daughter with other kids to play with. Either way, look for someone who has been doing childcare for awhile or if they are new to it, ask the reasons why they are doing it. If they are doing it simply because they can't find a job, they won't last long. There are many great home daycares, look around the place, ask questions and see how comfortable you feel. If your sitter is coming into your home, there would be differnet questions to ask. What do you mean by PT (how many hours)? If youa re stuck, perhaps you have a friend with a little one that would like some extra money.

S.
www.LiveYourDreamsAtHome.com

Stay away from yes/no questions. Ask open ended ones without suggesting answers. What would a normal day look like for you with my daughter? What are your hobbies? interests? How many tvs to you have in your house? What shows do your children watch? Where are your favorite places to go with children? (kids need outdoor time daily, and not places that cost money - the local parks, sledding areas, etc).

I just sent this out to another mom out here...

I know a lot of people that have had very good luck with www.sittercity.com, as well as care.com. Both, you can search people that have gone through background checks, review references, hours, rates, specialties, etc...

I have a nanny (although we didn't use these services, we just got a lucky referral), and would be happy to share the interview questions and contract that we use for her. PM me your email if you'd like them.

Hi K.,

Maybe you could have the potential replacement visit with your daughter WHILE you are THERE, so you can see how she is with your baby. Let all the interviewees spend some time with your daughter and see who your baby relates to best. And don't forget to check all the references.

If you and the childtender spend time with your baby BEFORE you actually leave them alone together, it should be an easier transition.

Good luck!
"Grams"
from the Pocono Mts. of PA

My advice as far as what to ask would be how many other children do you have, are you Licensed/Certified, do you know CPR, how do you handle discipline, do you smoke, are their pets in the house, will you be providing meals and snacks, and do you have references. I've put my kids in several daycares and if you get a bad feeling, don't put your kids there.Afraid I don't have any experience with the sitter services online. Hope that helps!