I think finding a babysitter for boys is a challenge. Since most babysitters are female, finding one that has the energy and creativity  to watch boys can be a task. I’m not interested in paying someone to sit on their butt and watch my children like their observing animals in the wildlife. I prefer interaction in the form of play and creativity. I want to hear the kids communicating with the sitter, having fun and laughing. Silence is a sure sign that the sitter’s a dud.

Boy Babysitters

Then there’s the issue boy babysitters. It would make sense that boy babysitters would be best suited for watching boys, but in researching this issue, it appears that many people express concerns for boy babysitters. This may be a concern for parents of girls, but should it be a concern for watching boys or even at all? Why does the idea of using boys as babysitters get such a bad rap? There have been several cases of boy babysitters who was caught and subsequently charged with molesting a child on a nannycam. With there’s no disputing this, there are girls who have done terrible things to children as well. The truth is that I know a few boys who are wonderful with kids. Unfortunately, they don’t babysit, but if they did, I would not hesitate to have them watch my boys. They’re fun, energetic, responsible and kind, isn’t that what we’re looking for?

Having said all that, the one thing we can do to protect our children is to be selective with who we choose to watch our kids. There’s a link below with helpful suggestions on how to find a babysitter, be sure and check it out. One thing I make sure to do is to interview all prospective sitters.  I ask about their experience, fees, any additional training as well as for references. Usually I find my babysitters from friends, a child of a friend or through someone I know. This helps alleviate some of the stress, but I don’t think you can ever be too safe. Make sure and trust your instincts. There’s a lot to be said for the vibe you get when you meet someone. Trust your judgment.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Am I asking too much? Post your comments. Let me know where you live, how many children you have, what you pay and what you expect. Also do you use a girl or boy babysitter? Let’s compare notes.

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Andrea Jane Deely |Registered |2009-09-02 23:46:36 Great points you raise, Renee, firstly that responsible babysitters for boys can be older (teenage) boys and, secondly, that they can be hard to find! We were lucky enough to find a family friend - a great teenage boy who looked after our 7-year-old for a week in the school holidays. Although the teenager took his job very seriously, our son just thought we had arranged a very cool older boy for him to play with all day! Suddenly here was someone who was willing to play ball with him FOR HOURS!! And liked the same food! And cool movies and bus trips to go to the museum, swimming pool and parks. The teenager would text us regularly, giving us updates and it was great to know that we could always remain in touch with them throughout the day. And as his Mum was a friend of ours, she would also keep tabs on them via calls and text. We felt safe and happy in the knowledge that our son was having a fantastic time. Unfortunately for us (and fortunately for the teenager!) his studie...