When families are looking for a babysitter, they usually run through a list of criteria. They want someone responsible and patient who has knowledge of childcare and safety. Babysitters interviewing for the job often make an effort to show the parents that they have these desired qualities. But what if we stop and consider what kids might want in a babysitter?
We’re not talking about the “dream babysitter” who just gives them sweets all day, of course. Rather, it’s important to consider kids’ preferences. After all, the children are the ones who will be spending the most time with the babysitter. If parents ask for their kids’ opinions, it helps them feel like they’re part of the process and gets them excited about the new caregiver. And when babysitters consider the children’s desires, as well as the parents’, they’ll find it easier to create a connection with the kids they care for.
Here are nine qualities children might want in a babysitter:
1. Energetic
It’s important for children to get along with their babysitter. One mother has found that her twin boys always got along best with babysitters who would play the games they liked to play—especially hide-and-seek and pillow fights. Any game that involved a lot of movement was a winner with her kids, so she made sure she found very active and energetic babysitters.
2. Extroverted
According to a father of seven, kids want their babysitters to be creative and talkative extroverts who will relate to their level of play and do fun activities with them. Having a babysitter who just sits on the sofa and texts on their phone should get a quick thumbs down from kids—and parents.
3. Open-minded
It’s no secret that kids love to play. So a babysitter who is willing to play how your kids want to play is a must. Kids like people who aren’t afraid to be silly. They typically warm to babysitters who show an eagerness to play with them, are relaxed and are willing to do almost any task (even silly ones).
4. Establishes boundaries
Kids also like routine. Even if they don’t realise it, they thrive in a predictable environment. Kids tend to like babysitters who aren’t afraid to set boundaries and those who are good at falling into the routine that’s already established within their home.
5. Creative
Kids have a lot of energy. To keep them entertained, a babysitter needs to be really creative. They need to have the ability to think on their feet and come up with new and innovative ideas, as this is especially crucial in keeping toddlers with short attention spans engaged. Children will look forward to seeing someone who always brings new ideas for activities and games.
6. Kind
It goes without saying that kids want to feel like the person who is looking after them actually likes them and enjoys spending time with them. This one should be a no-brainer because parents obviously want someone who is kind to their kids, too.
7. Intelligent
Whether they admit it or not, kids like to be challenged. They also like to be able to ask an adult a question and actually receive an answer. Having a babysitter who is educated and able to keep up with your child’s questions and curious nature makes for more lively discussions and more engagement for the child.
8. Responsible
Children have a need to feel safe and secure, regardless of age. It is therefore absolutely essential that kids feel like they can trust the babysitter and their judgment, that the babysitter is someone who is caring and dependable. They also need to be a quick thinker who is confident in their ability and focused on the kids.
9. Fun
Last, but certainly not least, kids want a babysitter who is fun! The best babysitters are able to get kids grinning from ear to ear through entertaining and productive activities. Luckily, there’s a lot of overlap in what parents and kids look for in a babysitter. And where there are differences, it’s all about finding a happy medium. A good babysitter is someone who not only meets parents’ criteria but also offers what the kids want in a caregiver.
