Tips for Choosing a Babysitter

Choosing a babysitter can be a stressful process, especially for working mothers who will be entrusting their children to a "stranger" for most of the day. Even if parents do find a babysitter for their child, they may still have questions, doubts, and problems to deal with. Here are some tips from Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oğuzhan Zahmacıoğlu to make this process easier for you.

Age Range when Children Need a Babysitter

The age range during which children need care the most is from 0 to 12 years old. During this period, children require uninterrupted care from someone. Nowadays, especially in big cities where mothers are predominantly involved in the workforce, the need for caregivers is increasing. If the mother is working and there are no grandparents or any other family members who can help her, or if there is a problem that prevents her from being a full-time caregiver, then caregivers come into the picture.

The Essential Qualities of a Babysitter

Childcare has become a professional job nowadays, and the specifics of what a babysitter will do or how they will work depend on the agreement made between the employer and the caregiver, just like any other employment contract. However, there are some essential qualities that a babysitter should possess. First and foremost, they must love children, get along with them well, communicate effectively, and have the ability to cope with difficulties. Additionally, a caregiver's specific approach and attitude towards the child they are taking care of is also important. A babysitter should be affectionate, cheerful, and communicative because a caregiver who dislikes talking and lacks verbal communication skills may negatively impact the child's development. Children develop through what they hear and the communication they have with others. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a friendly and talkative babysitter who does not have any depressive tendencies. After clarifying your criteria, you can contact the babysitter's previous employers if any. Inquiring about whether they would genuinely recommend the caregiver or not is essential. A child caregiver should have a personality that can guide and understand the child's unique behaviors. Childcare needs differ for each child, and a babysitter must be able to provide appropriate responses to the child's personality and needs. The most crucial aspect is that the babysitter should meet the child's requirements. If you find the right babysitter, the rest of the process should run smoothly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Foreign Nannies

Language is an innate ability that we are born with, but we need the right environment to develop it. Most babies reach the necessary maturity for language and speech between 12-18 months. Therefore, it is important for the caregiver to use the child's native language correctly. If words are not pronounced correctly, the child may have delays in learning how to pronounce some words correctly. This is because young children learn language by hearing what adults say and repeating it. Foreign nannies hired to teach a child a foreign language can make it difficult for the child to learn their native language. Therefore, it is healthier to find a Turkish babysitter who speaks a foreign language instead of hiring a foreign babysitter if you want your child to learn a foreign language at a young age. In addition, the permit process for foreign nannies to work in Turkey will come into play. This can mean a long bureaucratic process. It may also require them to enter and exit the country at certain intervals based on their nationality. On the other hand, it is a fact that foreign nannies are more adaptable to the family and work more professionally than Turkish nannies. Foreign nannies pay more attention to what the family says and behave according to the family's wishes.

Should a Live-In or Daily Babysitter be Preferred?

There is no difference between a live-in babysitter and a daily babysitter. What creates advantages and disadvantages are personality traits and how clear the framework of the job is. Of course, it also depends on your character and your expectations of being a babysitter. For example, if you like to live alone and want to be comfortable as you wish, a live-in babysitter may not be suitable for you. On the other hand, if your child is of school age, you have a live-in babysitter, and she is knowledgeable about homework, projects, etc., she can help your child with homework when he/she comes home in the evening. When you go on vacation, your live-in babysitter can accompany you and take care of your children. If you prefer a daily babysitter, it is a good idea to choose one who is close to your home.

Ideal Age Range for Babysitters

While the age of the babysitter alone may not be the determining factor, it is important for the person who will spend time with your child to be dynamic and energetic, given how active and tiring children can be. It is also important for parents to work with babysitting agencies, which can help them choose the right babysitter by monitoring the mental and emotional health of their employees and creating a database on this subject. It is also possible to check the babysitter's resume and references. However, in our country, using babysitting agencies to find a child caregiver increases costs, so immigrants are often employed as babysitters or nannies. This may be less expensive for families, but it also carries various risks. Even if the person you hire is a sweet person, they may not be able to establish a psychological bond with your child; this is not a mathematical formula. Their temperament and personality traits should be compatible or at least tolerably compatible.

Consequences of Frequent Change of Babysitters

Frequent babysitting changes are a risky situation. As a baby grows, they internalize the people who care for them, especially those who provide their care. Therefore, frequent changes of nannies prevent the establishment and development of a relationship based on mutual trust. With each changing caregiver, the child tries to adjust to a new routine and a new person. Children who constantly change caregivers are also seen to be more anxious and may develop behavioral problems, particularly sleep problems. It has also been observed that such children develop excessive dependence on their mothers and are afraid of being alone, with their first reactions to new situations often being timid or even fearful. It is, of course, preferable that the caregiver remains the same and does not change, but this does not mean that the caregiver should not be changed under any circumstances. A new caregiver is sought when the boundaries of the agreement between the parent and the caregiver are exceeded, or in case of other extraordinary developments.

Helping Your Child Adjust to a Babysitter

You must first allow the babysitter and your child to have a fun and enjoyable time together while you are at home. Additionally, you should behave warmly towards the babysitter in the presence of your child and show affection towards them. If you like the babysitter, your child will also like them. Taking a photo of the babysitter with your child and putting it on the fridge can also be helpful. You should speak about the babysitter with enthusiasm and interest. In addition to these tips, never sneak out of the house and always try to return home on time, letting your child know when you will be back.