Tips on Hiring a Teen Babysitter

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Originally published April 11, 2014 and updated November 3, 2023.

If you ever plan on hiring a teen babysitter to watch your children, please take a moment to really think about how you, the adult, treat the teenage babysitter.  These 25+ tips will help you find, hire and work with the person providing childcare for your family.  

I was a babysitter as a teen.  With 3 children of my own, I’ve hired many teen babysitters.  Now with 2 teenaged daughters, they’ve been hired many times to babysit. From all this experience, I have a few important tips on hiring a teen babysitter, tips the mother of your babysitter would like you to consider.

woman sitting on floor with baby and playing with colorful toys

I am very careful with my children’s safety.  I always have been. My daughters and I want to keep your children safe.  Please create a situation where my children can keep your children safe.  I have been amazed at some of the situations that otherwise responsible adults have put my daughters and their own children in.  Sometimes they just weren’t thinking and other times it was just one of those fluke things.   But please listen up to me, the mother of your babysitter, and pay attention to these tips for hiring a teen babysitter. Also, filling out this Babysitter Information Sheet Free Printable will definitely help.

If your child is looking for more ways to earn money, be sure to check out these ideas for online jobs for teens.

Tips for Hiring a Babysitter

These tips for Hiring a Teen Babysitter and working with them are crucial for parents because you need to have peace of mind when leaving your child in someone else’s care. Don’t rush the process; take your time to find a babysitter who is trustworthy and capable of providing quality care for your little ones. With the right person in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child is in good hands.

Importance of Personal Recommendations

Personal recommendations present a simple and effective way to find a trusted babysitter. They come from individuals who have had direct experiences with the hired babysitter, providing an insight into their capabilities and behavior.

Friends, neighbors or family members can offer valuable information about potential sitters’ strengths and weaknesses that might be difficult to uncover otherwise. This firsthand knowledge provides peace of mind knowing the babysitter has previously exhibited reliable services.

It’s essential to listen carefully to personal recommendations as they are often a goldmine in your quest for finding the perfect sitter.

Training by Reputable Organizations

Trusted organizations offer a level of assurance when aiming to find the right babysitter. Find someone to provide childcare that is trained will provide you peace of mind and your child with the best care.

Common training programs are:

  • Babysitting Courses – These courses cover topics such as child safety, basic first aid, emergency preparedness, age-appropriate activities, and communication skills.
  • CPR and First Aid Certification – Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid techniques for children is essential for babysitters to handle emergency situations effectively.
  • Red Cross Babysitting Certification – The American Red Cross offers a comprehensive babysitting certification program that covers child care essentials, safety tips, basic first aid, and age-appropriate activities.

These courses are available in a variety of ways:

  • Online courses – There are many online platforms that offer babysitting courses, providing training materials, quizzes, and certifications that can be completed at the teenager’s convenience.
  • Local community centers or organizations -Check with local community centers, schools, or hospitals that may offer babysitting training workshops or classes specifically designed for teenagers.
woman playing on floor with toddler and stacking cups

Utilizing Apps

Apps can provide convenience and peace of mind. Use apps for scheduling, communication, and emergency contact integration to make coordinating care a smooth process.

Look for apps that feature GPS tracking so you can check where your babysitter is if they take your children out for activities. This provides security for your children and for the teenage babysitter. Be sure that the teen’s parents give approval for this tracking app.

Also consider using:

  • Baby Monitoring Apps 
  • Time Management, Scheduling or Calendar Apps
  • Payment Apps

Create a Clear Job Description

To find a great babysitter, it’s important to create an effective job description. Use these tips:

  • Clearly state your expectations for the role
  • Specify the desired qualifications and experience
  • Mention any specific duties or responsibilities
  • Include information about the schedule and hours required
  • Highlight any additional requirements, such as CPR certification or ability to handle emergencies
  • Provide details about your child’s age and any special needs or preferences
  • Mention if you prefer someone with their own transportation
  • Indicate the rate of pay and whether it’s negotiable

Know Average Pay Rates

Knowing the average pay rates for babysitters is an important aspect of finding the perfect caregiver for your child. It gives you a clear idea of what to expect and ensures that you are offering a fair compensation.

The average pay rates can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and responsibilities. Researching local trends and talking to other parents in your area can help you determine the appropriate hourly rate.

Keep in mind that paying a competitive rate not only attracts qualified candidates but also shows that you value their time and expertise in caring for your child.

Interview Candidates

Preparing for the interview is an essential step in finding the perfect babysitter for your family. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

  1. Create a list of interview questions that will help you assess the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and compatibility with your family’s needs.
  2. Decide on a convenient time and place for the interview, ensuring that it allows for a comfortable and distraction-free conversation.
  3. Gather important information that you may need to reference during the interview, such as the job description, pay rate, and any specific requirements.
  4. Prepare a brief introduction about your family, including information about your children’s routines, interests, and any special needs they may have.
  5. Set aside enough time for the interview so that you can fully discuss expectations, schedules, and any concerns or questions you may have.
  6. Consider involving your children in the interview process by having them meet potential babysitters and observe their interactions.
  7. Be ready to provide clear details about what you expect from the role, including responsibilities, rules/guidelines, and emergency procedures.
A family sitting on a couch looking at a laptop, seeking tips on hiring a teen babysitter.

Tips for Building a Good Relationship

Communicate openly and regularly with your babysitter and their parents, if appropriate, addressing any issues or concerns promptly to ensure a positive working relationship.

Communicate Openly and Regularly

Open and regular communication is crucial for a successful hiring and working relationship with your babysitter. It’s important to establish clear lines of communication from the beginning, so both parties are on the same page.

Regular check-ins will help you stay informed about your child’s well-being and any updates or concerns that may arise. Honest and open conversations will ensure that expectations are met, issues are addressed promptly, and trust is built between you and your babysitter.

Clear communication also allows you to provide feedback and express appreciation for their work, fostering a positive working relationship overall.

Address Issues or Concerns Promptly

If any issues or concerns arise with your babysitter, it is crucial to address them promptly. Open and regular communication is key to maintaining a successful working relationship.

Whatever the conflict, addressing it early on can help prevent further problems down the line. By discussing issues openly and honestly, you can work together to find solutions and ensure that both parties are satisfied. This relationship allows you to keep your children’s safety and well-being at the forefront.

Building trust and maintaining a positive relationship.

To build trust with your babysitter and maintain a positive relationship, consistent and open communication is key. Make sure to clearly communicate your expectations, rules, and any specific instructions regarding the care of your child.

Tips for a Teenage Babysitter

I do not allow my children to open the door to a stranger when I am gone.  They should not be expected to judge whether an unknown adult coming to the door is safe or not, especially at your house with the responsibility for your children.  If you are going to order food to be delivered (which will make your children and mine very happy), please have it delivered while you are still home.  Please do not ask my child to open the door to a stranger, again, especially while responsible for your children.

pink, black and blue graphic that says "don't order food to be delivered after you've left"

Please give my child the estimated time that you will be returning home.  If you going to be more than 15 minutes late, please let my daughter know.   One time  when my daughter babysat for a family, the parents were still not home 2 hours after they said would be home.  They never called to let my daughter know they’d be late.  My daughter and I were both getting very worried.  (I was about 30 minutes from going over to sit with my daughter and I was trying to figure out at what point I should call the police).  In addition to not calling my daughter to let her know they’d be late, they also didn’t answer their cell phone the 3 times she called them to see where they were, which lead us to…

pink, black and blue graphic that says "come home when you say you will or at least call"

It was bad enough that the parents didn’t call my daughter to let her know they’d be so late, but when they didn’t answer or return her 3 phones calls, at 1 a.m., my daughter and I were both extremely worried that the parents had been in an accident.  Please give your babysitter your cell phone number, and then please answer the phone when the babysitter calls.  If a teen takes the embarrassing and awkward step of calling you, it is for an important reason. I had to call the parents one time when I was babysitting as teen because their child had been injured in a fluke accident (he was riding his bike barefoot, rode too close to a parked car and severely cut his big toe on the license plate).  Fortunately, because they answered the phone, they were able to meet us at the hospital.

pink, black and blue graphic that says "answer your cell phone if your babysitter calls"

Please do not drive my child home from your house if you have been drinking. at. all. even. one.drink.  One time a set of parents asked me ahead of time if I could pick my daughter up when they came home because they were taking a limo to a wine tasting event and planned on drinking.  I was more than happy to pick my daughter up.  I promise that if you or my daughter call me, no matter how late you get home, to come pick her up I will not be angry.   I will not think less of you (in fact I will be so impressed with your good judgement).  I don’t want you to drink and drive when it’s only you in the car, but I really don’t want you to drink and drive when my child is in the car with you.

pink, black and blue graphic that says "ask me to pick up my child if you plan on or have been drinking"

I get it.  You’ve had a really busy week.  You didn’t have time to run to the bank before my child showed up to babysit.  On the way home, you were so tired that you forgot to stop by the bank to get cash.  I understand.  I’ve been there.  But I always planned ahead to pay my teen babysitter in cash or via a payment app.  Stop for a minute and think about it from your babysitter’s point of view.  She’s so excited that she is earning an income.  Most likely she has immediate plans to spend that income.  You hand her a check at midnight on Friday or Saturday night.  That means that she does not have the cash she was planning on for her Saturday or Sunday event.  She and her mother now have to  ram a trip to the bank during their already busy  schedule (however busy your schedule is, I’m pretty sure it’s not any more busy than ours is).   And please don’t pull the oh-I-don’t-have-cash-but-I-will-get-it-to-you-tomorrow trick. You wouldn’t appreciate if your boss did that to you on your payday.  Please be prepared to pay your babysitter in cash as soon as she has completed her job. (An exception would be if you’re hiring a teen for an ongoing babysitting job.  You should then check with the teen and the mother to see if a check would be acceptable.)

pink, black and blue graphic that says "pay with cash not a check"

I think of myself as a very responsible person and parent, but sometimes you just don’t think of everything.  One time I got a call from the babysitter asking where we kept our flashlights.  The power had gone out and she and my children, ages 5 and 3, were bumbling around in the dark trying to find a flashlight.  It had never occurred to me that the power might go out while I was gone and that my babysitter would have no idea where I keep the flashlight.  After that I always left a flashlight next to our cell phone numbers on the counter.

light blue box with text "Leave a flashlight on the counter - tips on hiring a teen babysitter from the mother of your babysitter".

Prior to our babysitter calling to ask where our flashlight was she sat in the dark with my children for 10-15 minutes and then called her mother.  (I don’t know why, but your babysitter will always hesitate to bother you by calling.  My daughters do the same thing when they babysit.) Her mother was going to drive over to my house with a flashlight for her daughter, but neither the mother nor my babysitter knew my street address (I had picked up the babysitter and driven her to my house).  After that I always left my address and home phone number written down next to my cell phone number on the counter.  What if there had been an emergency and the babysitter needed to call 911 but hadn’t known our street address. (hyperventilating mother here).

light blue box with text "write down your address, house phone and cell phone numbers".

My daughters have babysat for children that had an EpiPen and have been told by the mother how to use it if necessary.   This was  prudent, but most likely the EpiPen would never have to be used.  It was just a wise precaution.  However, another family asked my daughter to dispense routine allergy medication while the parents were gone.  In this situation, the parents could have given the medication prior to departing or after they returned.  It was not necessary for my daughter to give their child the medication.  Although my child is very responsible and has completed the Red Cross babysitter training, she is still. a. child.  I do not think you really want another child dispensing medication to your child.  I know I don’t want her giving your child medication, that should be your responsibility.

light blue box with text "Don't ask your teen babysitter to dispense medication".

Before I allowed my daughters to babysit, I made sure they both completed the Red Cross babysitting course.  Both of my daughters are very responsible and I wouldn’t let them have responsibility for your children if I didn’t think they could handle it.  But, please limit the risky situations you put your child and mine in while she is babysitting for you.  One family asked my 12-year-old daughter to bathe their 2-year-old child the first time she babysat for them.  She was young enough that she didn’t feel comfortable saying no (and I didn’t find out about it until she got home).   Accidents happen in bathtubs all the time with adults present.  There are many reasons why you shouldn’t ask my teen to bathe your young child.  Although, my children are very honest and trustworthy, you really don’t know that.  Why would you want to place your child in a vulnerable position with an unknown person?  I’m pretty sure that the bath could wait until tomorrow.  And if the bath really couldn’t wait, then you should probably have taken care of it yourself before you left.

light blue box with text "Don't have a young teen babysitter bathe your child".

This is one of those you-don’t-think-of-it-until-it’s-too-late ones.  But if your toilet has problems, please leave the plunger out and point it out to your babysitter before you leave and before she has to deal with a crisis.

light blue box with text "Tell your babysitter where to find the toilet plunger".

Sooooo, I understand that you’re paying your babysitter good money.  And you figure that she doesn’t have anything to do after your children go to bed, but you’re still paying her.  So-ooo, you figure it’s only fair for you to leave a list of chores for her to do since you’re paying her.  I disagree.  You are paying your babysitter to watch your children.  Just because you say that bed is 8pm, doesn’t mean that your children lay down and go to sleep at 8.  Your babysitter has to work much harder than you do to get them to go to bed, stay in bed and actually go to sleep.  Your babysitter really has less “extra” time than you may think.  But if you still want to give her chores to do, please do not ask her to fold laundry that contains the underwear of anyone over the age of 5 or 6.  It’s embarrassing for my daughter to fold your or your husband’s underwear (yewwwww!) and it’s embarrassing for your child to realize that the babysitter folded their underwear. (Trust me.  My daughter has been put in this situation several times.)

light blue box with text "Don't ask your babysitter to fold underwear".

Having said all that, my child and I deeply appreciate that you trust her and are engaging her in meaningful employment.  To teach my children financial responsibility, they are expected to budget for all their own expenses and earning income is part of  that process.  So, thank you for helping me teach my children a good work ethic and financial responsibility.  We promise to treat you and your children with respect and to behave responsibly.  We only ask that you do the same for us. These tips on hiring a teen babysitter will make sure we’re all on the same page. 

More Parenting Tips

Babysitter Information Sheet Free Printable – Use this free printable Babysitter Information Sheet to help you share the information to keep your children & the babysitter safe & give you peace of mind.

image of 3 pages of rainbow colored babysitter checklists

Parenting Tips from a Mother of 3 and Parent Educator – Practical parenting tips from a mother of 3 and a parent educator.

Mother with arm around teen daughter, both facing away from the camera.

 

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9 Comments

  1. Hi Susan – For both sides of the parents, this advice is worth more than gold. All spot on. I might also add… if you tell the baby sitter it’s ok to sit on your bed to watch TV (to be closer to the sleeping baby), you may want to distinguish between the TV remote control and the panic button control if both of them look the same. Always a fun experience at the age of 14 when sirens go off in the house and medics, fire, ambulance and police show up at your door when all you want to do is turn on the TV to watch some Miami Vice. Not that this ever happened to me or anything. Just saying hypothetically. 🙂 Hugs, Holly

    1. Too funny, Holly. I can imagine a 14 year old running around in circles trying to figure out what to do. I can also imagine how horrified your 14-year old self was!

  2. Fantastic post Susan. I’m sure many parents forget that their teen babysitters are still children with Mom’s who worry. Pinning. Wishing you the best, Darlene

  3. Hi Susan, So glad I found your site through a link party. We are military too and very new to it. I just hired a teen babysitter that I don’t know personally but got through a recommendation. I’m so glad I found your tips! Things the mom of a 1 year old did not think about! I’ll definitely be following along with your blog.

    1. Jillian, welcome and thank you for your family’s service. Just wait for the second round of tips (there are a couple that will make you chuckle).

  4. I’m glad I clicked over and read the first part of your babysitter tips. More good stuff to read.

    Also, as a Girl Scout leader, it can be really frustrating when parents don’t answer their phone when I call. I can’t imagine what it’s like for a teenager dealing with that. I texted and called a mom the morning of our last day of camporee. She never answered until the 3rd call. Fortunately, it wasn’t an emergency, but still….And, apparently, she doesn’t always get texts on her older phone. Had I known that, I never would have texted her.

    1. Barb, I admire you for being a GS leader. Whenever my kids are not in the house, I answer my phone. period.

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