https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:34:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1781420 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 11:21:46 +0000 irene 1781420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Thanks for all these questions! </p> <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: Wow... really, do they ask that? That's kinda invasive and personal (how old is your bf and what does he do).</p> <p>For the last candidate, I did ask if she was religious (while we are atheists and it really doesn't affect my decision on employment, I had this perception that religious people has a bigger chance to be more honest, haha, so in a way I'd feel better). DH told me afterwards that I should not ask that because if someone didn't get hired they may sue us for prejudice based on religion. So I shall not ask that again. Oops. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780681 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:40:24 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1780681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: the few families that did ask me about my friends/boyfriend would just ask if I had a boyfriend, if so, how long had we been together, how old is he, what does he do? &amp; then there was once or twice when I was flat out asked if I partied a lot. I think it's good to specify that no one should come over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780643 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:16:59 +0000 looch 1780643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would want to know how she'd handle it if my son cried when we left and also if he couldn't calm down. I would ask if they'd be amenable to coming by the house a few times when I am home and just playing with my son, to see how he does...would they basically be okay with working up to leaving them alone together or does it have to be a cut the cord kind of situation.</p> <p>I'd also want to know how they'd handle meals, or the bedtime routine, if they'd be comfortable playing out in the yard, that kind of thing. I'd also ask (since we have cameras all over the place) if they'd be okay with us being able to see her while we're not there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780632 Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:13:37 +0000 irene 1780632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: Thanks ! Yes it is a great question except I don't even know what is the right answer! haha! Good point about asking about the friends/boyfriend. How do you even ask that question though? Would it be better to just say we'd like you to be the only person at our house, and please do not invite guests over?</p> <p>We did meet one candidate last weekend. While she is sweet and I think she will be just fine when most of the work was just sitting at our house while LO is asleep, she is just not very warm to LO. She did talk to him but she wouldn't actually go engage with him and play with him. LO is shy himself though. But still there wasn't a lot of "breaking the ice" on her part. Or am I reading into it too much? I mean she is still on my to call list but just curious to know your thoughts!</p> <p>Any other suggestions everyone? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780371 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:29:32 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1780371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The emergency phone call suggestion is great! I personally wouldn't ask this but I had a few families ask me about my friends &amp; whether or not I had a boyfriend....I'm assuming in case I thought it would be cool to sneak someone over (which I NEVER did.)<br /> Personally, I would ask for a reference or two but I honestly think that the question your friend suggested, maybe asking about any CPR/emergency training they've had &amp; just seeing how they interact with LO should be enough. I got two nanny jobs from care.com &amp; they were both great. I hope you find a few sitters that you love! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/questions-to-ask-babysitter-candidates#post-1780334 Thu, 24 Jul 2014 21:52:36 +0000 irene 1780334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We haven't been on a date night in forever, and we have absolutely no family around. Finally, I posted an ad on care.com and am going to meet with a few babysitting candidates this weekend. It will be half an hour @ each candidate because I am trying to fit 4 in after LO wakes up from his nap!</p> <p>I just wanted to observe their interaction with LO, and mostly to see if they are normal looking and what their personality is like. What else should I ask? I am not hiring a nanny so it should be much more relaxed. Besides, I really want many of them on my phone so I have many back up options (especially for short notice and/or valentine's day!). I do want to come up with a "ranking" though so I have my most favorite to the least.</p> <p>A friend suggested to ask how do they determine when to call the parents, so we know how do they make an emergency judgement call. </p> <p>Do you hire a babysitter occasionally? What would you ask? What is important to you? Any other advices? </p>