Are you a high-flying executive with small kids? A struggling parent who is trying to juggle both your home front and work? Life is hectic. You need to relax once in a while. Are you wondering how to leave your little one behind and unwind during the weekends? Welcome to the world of baby sitters. These are generally teenagers or college students who keep an eye on your children while you are away. The crucial thing is when you are choosing a babysitter. When choosing a babysitter, you must select someone who has the following personality traits: -The person should be genuinely fond of children and must want to spend quality time with them -Vivacious and friendly -A non-smoker. You surely do not want to expose your children to passive smoking! -Neat, organized and well groomed -Common sense and maturity Cross Checking Credentials When Choosing a Babysitter Never let in baby sitters without relevant references. Before choosing a babysitter, you must check their credibility with past or current employers. Also check on their family and social background. Qualifications You must be careful in choosing a babysitter that has an adequate experience in handling children especially that caters to your siblings. Some sitters may have undergone a professional training while the others may have learnt while handling children in their own family. Do remember that baby sitters need different qualifications to handle a 4-month-old baby and 4 years old. So be careful when choosing a babysitter accordingly. The sitter must have a thorough knowledge of first aid procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Locating baby sitters You may advertise in your local newspaper for choosing a babysitter. The most accessible places are within your community, namely school and college bulletin boards, church and your work place. Content in your advertisement Your advertisement for choosing a babysitter must contain the age group of children, the hours of childcare required, professional and personal profile needed for baby-sitting. It is optional to mention the allowance as it solely depends on the kind of baby sitter you would choose. Interviewing your baby sitter It is sensible to have a couple of interview sessions with your prospective baby sitters, preferably include some of your other family members also. Issues of fees, permissible meals, telephone usage must be ironed out. You must also inform the sitter about your rules and discipline in your house including allowing guests or friends over. Please be direct in asking certain relevant questions like health issues. Your sitter must be healthy and free of any infectious diseases. For this you may need to look at the medical certification. The Green Signal Finally follow your heart. You should be choosing a babysitter with whom your children feel safe and comfortable.