Questions to Ask a Babysitter in an Interview
Essential questions to evaluate a babysitter's experience, safety knowledge, and compatibility with your family before hiring.
1How long have you been babysitting and what age ranges have you worked with?
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How long have you been babysitting and what age ranges have you worked with?
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Why this works
Establishes experience level and comfort with different developmental stages, helping you gauge if they're prepared for your child's specific needs.
2What would you do if my child had a tantrum or refused to follow instructions?
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What would you do if my child had a tantrum or refused to follow instructions?
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Why this works
Reveals their discipline philosophy and conflict resolution skills, showing whether their approach aligns with your parenting style.
3Are you certified in CPR and first aid? When did you last renew your certification?
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Are you certified in CPR and first aid? When did you last renew your certification?
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Why this works
Critical safety question that ensures they can handle medical emergencies and their training is current.
4How would you handle an emergency situation, like a child getting injured?
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How would you handle an emergency situation, like a child getting injured?
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Why this works
Tests their crisis management skills and ability to stay calm under pressure while ensuring child safety.
5What activities do you enjoy doing with children?
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What activities do you enjoy doing with children?
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Why this works
Reveals their engagement style and whether they'll actively interact with your child rather than just supervising.
6How do you handle bedtime routines and what's your approach to getting children to sleep?
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How do you handle bedtime routines and what's your approach to getting children to sleep?
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Why this works
Bedtime can be challenging; their strategy shows experience and whether it matches your family's approach.
7What would you do if my child asked you to do something I've told them not to do?
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What would you do if my child asked you to do something I've told them not to do?
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Why this works
Tests their ability to maintain your rules and boundaries, showing respect for your parenting decisions.
8How do you handle screen time and what are your thoughts on technology use with children?
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How do you handle screen time and what are your thoughts on technology use with children?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to modern parenting challenges and whether they'll enforce your technology rules.
9What's your availability like? Are there any times or days you absolutely cannot work?
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What's your availability like? Are there any times or days you absolutely cannot work?
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Why this works
Ensures scheduling compatibility and identifies potential conflicts before making arrangements.
10How do you handle meal times and what would you do if a child refused to eat?
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How do you handle meal times and what would you do if a child refused to eat?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to nutrition and feeding challenges, important for children with specific dietary needs.
11What would you do if you suspected a child was sick or showing signs of illness?
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What would you do if you suspected a child was sick or showing signs of illness?
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Why this works
Tests their health awareness and judgment about when to contact parents or seek medical attention.
12How do you handle multiple children at once, especially if they're different ages?
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How do you handle multiple children at once, especially if they're different ages?
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Why this works
Reveals their multitasking abilities and whether they can manage sibling dynamics effectively.
13What's your policy on having friends or visitors over while babysitting?
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What's your policy on having friends or visitors over while babysitting?
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Why this works
Establishes boundaries about socializing during work hours and ensures focus remains on your child.
14How do you communicate with parents during the day? What kind of updates do you provide?
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How do you communicate with parents during the day? What kind of updates do you provide?
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Why this works
Shows their communication style and whether they'll keep you informed about your child's activities and well-being.
15What would you do if my child asked you to keep a secret from me?
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What would you do if my child asked you to keep a secret from me?
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Why this works
Tests their judgment about appropriate secrets versus concerning behavior that parents need to know about.
16How do you handle discipline when a child misbehaves? What's your approach to consequences?
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How do you handle discipline when a child misbehaves? What's your approach to consequences?
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Why this works
Reveals their discipline philosophy and ensures their methods align with your family values and expectations.
17What experience do you have with children who have special needs or behavioral challenges?
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What experience do you have with children who have special needs or behavioral challenges?
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Why this works
Important if your child has specific requirements; shows their adaptability and specialized experience.
18How do you handle situations where you're unsure about a parenting decision?
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How do you handle situations where you're unsure about a parenting decision?
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Why this works
Shows their judgment about when to contact parents versus making independent decisions.
19What's your approach to keeping children safe around the house? What safety measures do you take?
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What's your approach to keeping children safe around the house? What safety measures do you take?
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Why this works
Reveals their safety awareness and proactive approach to preventing accidents and injuries.
20Can you provide references from other families you've worked with?
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Can you provide references from other families you've worked with?
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Why this works
Allows you to verify their experience and get feedback from other parents about their performance and reliability.
How to Interview a Babysitter Effectively
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Create a Comfortable Environment
Start with casual conversation to help the candidate relax. A comfortable babysitter will give more honest answers and show their true personality.
Include Your Child in the Process
Have your child present for part of the interview to observe their natural interaction. Watch how the candidate engages and whether your child responds positively.
Ask Follow-up Questions
Don't just accept surface answers. Ask 'Why?' and 'Can you give me an example?' to get deeper insights into their experience and judgment.
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel around this person. If something feels off, don't ignore it. Your child's safety and well-being depend on your judgment.
Question Sequences
The Safety Assessment Sequence
The Discipline Philosophy Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Skip the Reference Check
Always call references, even if the candidate seems perfect. Other parents can reveal important details about reliability, punctuality, and how they handle difficult situations.
Avoid Vague Questions
Don't ask 'Are you good with kids?' Instead, ask for specific examples of how they've handled challenging situations or what activities they enjoy with children.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
If a candidate can't provide references, seems evasive about their experience, or makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and continue your search.
Avoid Rushing the Process
Take time to think about the interview. Don't feel pressured to make an immediate decision. A good babysitter is worth waiting for.