| When you have children, it can seem as though | | | | other parents, too and to follow up recommendations. |
| danger lurks around every corner. This sections looks | | | | Unlike babysitting, there are regulations governing |
| at the realities of keeping children safe from harm | | | | childcare. Check with your state. |
| while helping them develop their independence. | | | | For your own peace of mind, it's a good idea to run |
| As parents, we want to make every effort to find | | | | through some checks to satisfy yourself that your child |
| someone trustworthy to look after our children. When | | | | is in safe hands. |
| you're searching for a babysitter, it's a good idea to | | | | Make sure that any person who will be caring for your |
| get recommendations from other local parents. Check | | | | child is experienced and well trained and has the |
| references carefully - speak to other families who | | | | necessary qualifications if required. |
| have used the babysitter, and all other people listed as | | | | Always take up references for carers who'll be caring |
| references. | | | | for your children in your home. |
| Trust your instincts - never use someone you feel | | | | Visit any out-of-home care setting before you leave |
| uneasy about. If you don't feel comfortable with the | | | | your child there. Think about whether the other children |
| babysitter or carer, why would your child? | | | | seem happy. |
| Whenever possible, use a babysitter who's over 16, | | | | Ask carers what would happen if there's an accident |
| and who seems mature and sensible. There's no law | | | | or emergency. Do they contact parents? Do they |
| to cover this, but both the NSPCC and the Children's | | | | have safety procedures in place? |
| Legal Centre recommend 16 as the minimum age. | | | | Make sure the carer knows the only people allowed to |
| Under this age they can't be held legally responsible for | | | | collect your child. |
| any harm that happens to a child. | | | | Babies and very young children probably won't be able |
| Babysitters aren't required to have qualifications of any | | | | to tell you if you something has gone wrong while you |
| kind, but you may feel more comfortable using | | | | were away. Even slightly older children, who do have |
| someone with knowledge of first aid and child | | | | language, mignt not be able to explain if something has |
| development. | | | | happened. |
| Allow time to meet and talk to the babysitter before | | | | Look out for any changes in your child's behaviour or |
| leaving your child with them. Explain anything they need | | | | mood. Always ask the babysitter or carer for an |
| to know about your child, such as bedtime or feeding | | | | explanation if your child has a cut, bruise or other injury. |
| routines, ways to comfort and likes and dislikes. Let the | | | | Watch out for any changes to behaviour or moods |
| babysitter know what types of television programmes, | | | | that indicate your child is unhappy or not settled. If |
| videos and computer games you find acceptable for | | | | you're concerned about the welfare of your child in |
| your kids, and how long they can spend watching and | | | | any form of care, remove them from the situation. |
| playing them. | | | | Discuss the problem with the carers, and if necessary, |
| Always leave a number where you can be contacted | | | | take steps to make a formal complaint. |
| in an emergency. | | | | In a serious situation, contact the police, your local |
| Leaving your child at a day care facility while you work | | | | social services department or child protection team. |
| has some considerations, too. It's advisable to talk to | | | | |