A Better Way to Find a Babysitter?

When first arriving in any new town, it’s hard to know where to go for certain things.

Finding a trustworthy babysitter is one example and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I’m on the look-out for a new babysitter — not because my former babysitter isn't working out, she's leaving for college.

Based on a conversation I had with my neighbor about how sad it is to be losing my babysitter, the two of us had an idea: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a babysitting "Facebook" that parents could access with all the names and ages of babysitters nearby.

We thought it would be a great idea if someone from the community could host a babysitting networking site either on Facebook or a website portal of its own. Pairing up with our local schools or library may also be an option, giving teens there a chance to sign up to be added to the Glen Rock babysitting list.

Glen Rock resident and my existing babysitter, Lauren Sietsma said, "This idea would work because many parents who I have babysat for don't seem to know who to call and it's very much through word of mouth.

"Reaching out to the schools would also be a great way to seek involvement from those people who are interested."

When my family first arrived in the U.S. we tried a babysitting agency, and even though they did provide a good service, I wasn’t overly happy.

It always felt like I was leaving my child with a complete stranger. Every time we used them they sent a different babysitter, even though I had requested the same person — there was no continuity.

It was very transactional and didn’t settle well with me.

I think I can speak on behalf of most parents that we want someone who we can trust and get to know well. My children get excited when they know Lauren is coming.

I spoke to our Go Au Pair local area representative and Patti’s Playhouse owner, Patti McHugh who said, “When I was younger, in high school, there use to be a group called 'YES,' known as the Youth Employment Service and it was run by some moms via high school.  It consisted of people who needed jobs and people who had local jobs for teenagers. This unfortunately went away a long time ago.”

When Patti returned to town, it was the Glen Rock Newcomers and Neighbors group who had a babysitters list and she ran it one year.

“We emailed and posted signs in town to have high school kids call us so we could put them on the list and distribute the list to newcomers.  It proved to be a good incentive for young families to join the newcomers group. That seemed to work fine,” said Patti.

“I think putting together a babysitting list is a great idea and I’m sure we would love to have it printed in the Newcomers newsletter,” said Maria Dolan, President of Glen Rock’s Newcomers and Neighbors.

“I know with websites and Facebook it would seem so much easier to do now. Maybe this is something a Girl Scout troop could lead. Many teenagers do get their babysitting training too,” added McHugh.

If you know of any existing Glen Rock babysitting lists, please post it here or if you think this is a good idea, please encourage any teenagers who may be interested in leading a babysitting networking group.

Let us know what you think!