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The hidden costs of free babysitter ads
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'The best things in life are free', but when it comes to sourcing child care, are free online advertisements all they're cracked up to be?
Here we look at the pitfalls of finding a babysitter with a free web ad, and highlight other ways that parents can connect with quality child-minders.
The pros and cons of free online ads
In some respects, Facebook groups and odd-job sites are a convenient way to match up parents and babysitters. It costs nothing to place an ad, it's easy to answer one and there is the offer of after hours child care at affordable rates.
However, the use of free online advertisements has raised some concerns. Mum and journalist Saman Shad is worried that a shortage of cost-effective child care choices, especially at night, is causing parents to be "reckless" and reliant on "unvetted strangers" when sourcing child care via these ads.
She says that, "With Facebook groups and odd job websites such as Airtasker … the risk sits with the parents." And when babysitters haven't been screened by a child-minding agency or centre, this reliance on free online ads may result in:
- Babysitters lacking the relevant experience, e.g. in caring for babies
- Babysitters not living up to expectations, e.g. being unengaged
- Parents neglecting to do background checks, e.g. not asking for employer references, first aid qualifications and police checks
How to find a babysitter
Saying that, Ms Shad explains that, "Babysitters have long served the needs of parents needing a night off or to fill in the gaps when child care isn't an option."
So what is the best way to find a reputable babysitter, ease child care pressure and have the occasional date night?
Well, professional agencies provide casual or regular babysitters. And although they charge a fee, they offer a wide range of babysitters who've undergone a screening process.
The CareforKids.com.au babysitter search will help you find a local babysitter, or else parents can contact an agency directly with specific child care requirements.
'Word of mouth' is another option. Friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and other parents may be able to recommend a babysitter. Alternatively, your child care centre might know of a good babysitter or have a child care worker willing to provide casual babysitting after hours.
Whether they're recommended by a friend or an agency, a babysitter should be:
- Experienced and responsible
- Able to keep themselves and children safe
- Actively engaged in children’s care and entertainment
- Able to deal with difficult behaviour and situations
More information
See the CareforKids.com.au Babysitter library for articles and advice on choosing and preparing for a babysitter and for further reading see this ABC News article.
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