Hi Mamas! I'm a single mom and hope to find a reliable babysitter for occassional nights out. Where to start? Where did you find your sitters? What is the average hourly rate? Any advice, suggestions? Thanks in advance!
About me: I'm a 40 year old single mom to a beautiful 6 year old daughter who seems to have endless energy! The father is not in the picture (by his choice), and even if he were he lives 5 hours away - so I don't have every other weekend free like many single parents.
I approached the caretakers that work at my son's daycare. They already know my child, and they get paid very little so most welcome the extra work. It's been great. Good luck!
Hi L.,
That is a great question! I own a service that does this for parents called SeekingSitters. I don’t want this to be a commercial for us but rather offer a few thoughts.
First think of what you are wanting that sitter to do. Are you looking for a certain skill set other than if there was an emergency could she handle the situation?
What are your expectations of what the sitter would do in your home with your child? I talk all day to moms that have different expectations. Think of this so when you do find that great sitter you can communicate this easily.
How much do you want to pay? If you find a neighbor girl they will typically get paid 9 to 10 an hour.
In an agency like ours we cost a little more but anyone on our team has been personally interviewed, all references have been checked, a background investigation has been done, not just a quick online check, they have their own reliable transportation, and are certified in CPR & First aid. I understand that a service is not for everyone. Just in case you would like more information you can read more about our guidelines about us at www.seekingsitters.com. I am always here to help you if you need it to find some great sitters. To go at this alone, I would first ask around to your friends, neighbors, church members, and co-workers. Sometimes a personal referral is so much better than a resume you might pull down off a resume site. This way you can still get out but have some peace of mind that both the sitter and your daughter are safe.
I used sittercity.com and found a great sitter. You can pay by the month and I found that one month was enough time to find someone who matched what I was looking for. Also, you can find coupon codes online to reduce the cost a little.
Good luck!
Hi L.,
My husband and I don't have family in the area. So are always faced with childcare just for a night out. We use Kiddin Around and Adventure Playcare (Frisco, Plano). It's a drop in/hourly child care center and our boys have so much fun there. Our kids are now 6 1/2 and 5 y/o. They have games and all sorts of activities. Most are open till midnight on the weekends, so you can go to dinner with friends, catch a movie etc. You might consider that route. You can find them on line or send me an email. Take care. D.
Hi L.. We use Adventure Kids Playcare. It is a drop in daycare. My kids love it! Their website is http://web.adventurekidsplaycare.com/locations.html
They have locations in Plano and Frisco.
My 21 year old daughter is an excellent sitter for several families (some on this board). She has years of experience and is listed on Sittercity.com, care.com, and care4hire.com. Most of her clients come from Sittercity. She's listed as AMANDA F. (User #300970) on Sittercity. You can view her profile and reviews without becoming a member. You would have to be a paid member to access her contact info.
Please let me know if you need more information,
R.
Talk to every friend or business relation you have that you would trust their judgement. There are retirees, students, nursing students, teaching students, etc.... See who knows who.
Also talk to other mom's where your daughter goes to school Trading kids works too. I'll sit your kids this saturday if you'll sit mine next saturday. No money spent!
Dear L.,
I highly recommend finding a recommendation from a church's youth group leader. My girls are now both at the age of babysitting (soon to be 14 and 12) and we live in Murphy. They have received babysitting jobs because they have shown their responsibility level to the leaders at the church. These folks in leadership watch closely and see the kids in a variety of environments so they are great to ask.
If you would like to meet them they even do tag team babysitting. Those who hire them love that they can keep up with even their boys with endless energy. :)
I am a single mom myself so I understand your need for time out. Good job taking the time to refresh. It is a great example to your 6 yr. old daughter.
Good luck,
R.
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www.marykay.com
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Ask your friends in the area who they use. We have 2 wonderful babysitters that we use who are members of our church. Our first sitter I have known her parents for about 30+ years. The other sitter's parents are in our class at church and told us that their daughter babysits and is wonderful with kids. We were able to see if first hand when she was helping in our childrens Sunda School class and we heard from other parents who had used her. My kids love both our our sitters.
