Questions to Ask Babysitter
Essential questions to find the right babysitter for your family, ensuring your children are safe, happy, and well-cared for in your absence.
1What is your experience with children of my child's age?
Click to see why this works
What is your experience with children of my child's age?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they have relevant experience with your child's developmental stage and specific needs.
2What activities do you enjoy doing with children?
Click to see why this works
What activities do you enjoy doing with children?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their approach to childcare and whether their activities align with your child's interests.
3How do you handle discipline and behavioral issues?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle discipline and behavioral issues?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Critical for ensuring their approach to discipline matches your parenting philosophy and values.
4What would you do in an emergency situation?
Click to see why this works
What would you do in an emergency situation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can handle emergencies calmly and know how to respond appropriately to various situations.
5Are you comfortable with our house rules and routines?
Click to see why this works
Are you comfortable with our house rules and routines?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand if they can adapt to your family's specific rules and daily routines.
6What is your availability and scheduling flexibility?
Click to see why this works
What is your availability and scheduling flexibility?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important for understanding if their schedule aligns with your childcare needs.
7How do you handle meal times and dietary restrictions?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle meal times and dietary restrictions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can manage your child's nutritional needs and any specific dietary requirements.
8What is your approach to screen time and technology use?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to screen time and technology use?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand if their approach to technology aligns with your family's values and rules.
9How do you handle bedtime routines and sleep schedules?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle bedtime routines and sleep schedules?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important for maintaining your child's sleep schedule and ensuring they can manage bedtime effectively.
10What would you do if my child gets upset or has a tantrum?
Click to see why this works
What would you do if my child gets upset or has a tantrum?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their approach to emotional support and helps you understand how they handle difficult situations.
11Are you comfortable with our pet(s) and any allergies?
Click to see why this works
Are you comfortable with our pet(s) and any allergies?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can safely manage your pets and any allergy considerations in your home.
12How do you handle outdoor activities and safety?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle outdoor activities and safety?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important for understanding their approach to outdoor play and safety measures.
13What is your policy on having friends over while babysitting?
Click to see why this works
What is your policy on having friends over while babysitting?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their boundaries and whether they'll be fully focused on your children.
14How do you communicate with parents during the day/evening?
Click to see why this works
How do you communicate with parents during the day/evening?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you'll receive appropriate updates and can reach them when needed.
15What is your experience with special needs or medical conditions?
Click to see why this works
What is your experience with special needs or medical conditions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important if your child has specific needs or medical conditions that require specialized care.
16How do you handle homework and educational activities?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle homework and educational activities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their approach to supporting your child's learning and academic needs.
17What would you do if you were running late or couldn't make it?
Click to see why this works
What would you do if you were running late or couldn't make it?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important for understanding their reliability and backup plans for unexpected situations.
18How do you handle conflicts between siblings or multiple children?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle conflicts between siblings or multiple children?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their approach to managing multiple children and resolving conflicts peacefully.
19What is your rate and what does it include?
Click to see why this works
What is your rate and what does it include?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the cost and what services are covered in your arrangement.
20Do you have any questions about our family or expectations?
Click to see why this works
Do you have any questions about our family or expectations?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Gives them a chance to ask important questions and shows they're thinking about the role seriously.
Finding the Right Babysitter
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Evaluating Qualifications
Check References
Always ask for and contact references from previous families. Ask about reliability, interaction with children, and any concerns.
Verify Experience
Ask about specific experience with children your child's age, any special needs, and how long they've been babysitting.
Consider Certifications
Look for CPR/first aid certification, childcare training, or other relevant qualifications that show commitment to safety.
Ensuring a Good Fit
Parenting Philosophy
Practical Considerations
Family Dynamics
Conducting the Interview
Include Your Child
Have your child meet the potential babysitter to see how they interact and if there's a natural connection.
Ask Scenario Questions
Present specific situations (tantrums, emergencies, conflicts) to see how they would handle them.
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel about the person and how your child responds to them. Comfort and trust are essential.