It's no secret that families with children who have special needs tend to go through babysitters pretty quickly. We have come up with a list of ways that may help you find and keep the perfect sitter.
(1) Be Honest
If you have neglected to notify the babysitter of your child's differences, don't be surprised when they run for the hills. Maybe this babysitter knows nothing about special needs, maybe they are not suited to care for your child and maybe, just maybe, the babysitter needed some forewarning. This does not include saying, "By the way - he has Autism!" as you're leaving the house. Yes, this actually happens!
(2) Be Safe
You wouldn't believe how quickly some parents will leave their child with a virtual stranger. Meet the babysitter in advance, talk about their past experiences with special needs and take a picture of their driver's license. It may seem over-the-top, but your children's lives are in this person's hands!
(3) Be Considerate
Most parents take around 10-15 minutes to leave the house once a babysitter arrives. This is the usual length of time to finish up getting ready, and prep the babysitter with everything he or she needs to know. Making your goodbyes exorbitantly long, or hanging around the house longer than 15 minutes will make the babysitter's job ten times harder. After saying a genuine goodbye, please leave the house. A quality babysitter will provide comfort to a crying child, and reassurance that you love them and will eventually return.
(4) Be Prepared
Don't expect a babysitter to prepare an elaborate meal for your kids. If you would like your child to eat something fancier than Mac 'n Cheese or pizza, make it yourself and leave it for the babysitter to reheat. Lay out the child's clothes, diapers or PJs, so the sitter doesn't have to rifle through drawers trying to find what they need. Having done this in advance, you'll be able to leave the house quickly when the time comes.
(5) Be Exceptional
Babysitters will return to families whose children they enjoy, houses where they feel welcome and parents who pay well. In San Francisco, the cost of living is high, so expect to pay upwards of $15 an hour for a regular babysitter - more for respite specialists. Make sure you leave a meal for your babysitter, unless they have told you that they would prefer to bring their own food. Even so, a sneaky chocolate bar for when the kids go to bed should win the heart of any self-respecting babysitter! Have your children draw your babysitter a picture, or make a thank you card - do whatever it takes to show your babysitter you appreciate them!
You can't change your child's special needs, but you can change your own behavior when it comes to keeping a babysitter. If this has been your battle, hopefully these tips will help change your babysitting journey for the better.
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