Questions to Ask as a Babysitter
Essential questions for babysitters to ask parents to ensure the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of the children while establishing clear expectations and communication.
1What are your children's bedtime routines and schedules?
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What are your children's bedtime routines and schedules?
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Why this works
Establishes the children's sleep patterns and helps you maintain consistency with their normal routine, which is important for their comfort and wellbeing.
2Are there any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs I should be aware of?
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Are there any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Reveals critical health information that's essential for the children's safety and helps you provide appropriate care and attention.
3What are your children's favorite activities and how do they like to spend their time?
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What are your children's favorite activities and how do they like to spend their time?
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Why this works
Shows you want to engage with the children effectively and helps you understand how to keep them happy and occupied during your time together.
4How do you handle discipline and what are your rules and expectations?
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How do you handle discipline and what are your rules and expectations?
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Why this works
Establishes the parents' approach to behavior management and ensures you can maintain consistency with their parenting style and boundaries.
5What are your children's favorite foods and any foods they dislike or can't have?
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What are your children's favorite foods and any foods they dislike or can't have?
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Why this works
Reveals their dietary preferences and restrictions, helping you provide meals and snacks they'll enjoy while avoiding any foods they can't have.
6What's your policy on screen time and what shows or activities are allowed?
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What's your policy on screen time and what shows or activities are allowed?
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Why this works
Clarifies their approach to technology and entertainment, helping you understand what's appropriate and what boundaries to maintain.
7How do you handle emergencies and what should I do if something goes wrong?
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How do you handle emergencies and what should I do if something goes wrong?
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Why this works
Establishes emergency protocols and helps you understand how to handle different situations, ensuring you're prepared for any problems that might arise.
8What are your children's biggest fears or things that upset them?
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What are your children's biggest fears or things that upset them?
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Why this works
Reveals important information about their emotional needs and helps you avoid situations that might cause distress or anxiety.
9How do you want me to handle phone calls, visitors, or unexpected situations?
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How do you want me to handle phone calls, visitors, or unexpected situations?
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Why this works
Establishes protocols for different scenarios and helps you understand how to manage various situations that might arise during your time with the children.
10What are your children's favorite ways to be comforted when they're upset?
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What are your children's favorite ways to be comforted when they're upset?
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Why this works
Shows you want to provide emotional support and helps you understand how to comfort them effectively when they're sad, scared, or upset.
11Are there any specific rules about going outside or playing in different areas of the house?
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Are there any specific rules about going outside or playing in different areas of the house?
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Why this works
Clarifies safety boundaries and helps you understand what activities and areas are appropriate for the children.
12How do you want me to handle bedtime and what's the usual routine?
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How do you want me to handle bedtime and what's the usual routine?
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Why this works
Establishes the bedtime process and helps you maintain consistency with their normal sleep routine, which is important for their comfort and wellbeing.
13What are your children's favorite books, games, or toys?
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What are your children's favorite books, games, or toys?
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Why this works
Shows you want to engage with them effectively and helps you understand what activities and materials will keep them happy and occupied.
14How do you want me to handle different types of behavior or situations?
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How do you want me to handle different types of behavior or situations?
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Why this works
Establishes your approach to various scenarios and helps you understand how to respond appropriately to different types of behavior or situations.
15What are your children's favorite ways to be praised or rewarded?
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What are your children's favorite ways to be praised or rewarded?
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Why this works
Shows you want to provide positive reinforcement and helps you understand how to encourage good behavior and make them feel appreciated.
16How do you want me to handle different types of questions or requests from the children?
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How do you want me to handle different types of questions or requests from the children?
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Why this works
Establishes your approach to various scenarios and helps you understand how to respond appropriately to different types of questions or requests.
17What are your children's favorite ways to be entertained or kept busy?
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What are your children's favorite ways to be entertained or kept busy?
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Why this works
Shows you want to keep them engaged and helps you understand what activities and approaches will keep them happy and occupied.
18How do you want me to handle different types of conflicts or disagreements between the children?
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How do you want me to handle different types of conflicts or disagreements between the children?
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Why this works
Establishes your approach to conflict resolution and helps you understand how to manage disagreements and maintain harmony between siblings.
19What are your children's favorite ways to be comforted when they're tired or cranky?
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What are your children's favorite ways to be comforted when they're tired or cranky?
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Why this works
Shows you want to provide emotional support and helps you understand how to comfort them effectively when they're tired, cranky, or not feeling well.
20How do you want me to handle different types of questions or requests from the children?
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How do you want me to handle different types of questions or requests from the children?
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Why this works
Establishes your approach to various scenarios and helps you understand how to respond appropriately to different types of questions or requests.
Best Practices for Babysitter Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Care for the Children's Wellbeing
Parents want to know you care about their children's safety and happiness. Ask questions that demonstrate your concern for their children's comfort, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
Be Clear About Your Own Needs and Boundaries
While asking about their children's needs, also be prepared to discuss your own needs, availability, and boundaries to ensure a good mutual fit.
Focus on Safety and Communication
Emphasize your commitment to safety and open communication. Show that you want to work as a team with the parents to provide the best care for their children.
Question Sequences
The Safety and Health Sequence
The Comfort and Engagement Flow
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Needs
While it's important to discuss your needs, focus primarily on understanding the children's needs and how you can best serve them.
Avoid Being Too Rigid or Inflexible
Childcare often requires flexibility. Show that you're adaptable and willing to work with the family's changing needs and schedules.
Don't Ignore Safety and Emergency Protocols
Make sure to ask about emergency procedures, safety protocols, and how to handle different types of situations that might arise.