Has anyone used Seeking Sitters or any other Babysitting Service? If so what are your thoughts?
I am in there for my business and basically they are just a go between hooking up sitters to customers they have nothing to do with the quality of care. G. W
I've never used them as a parent (I would have in a heartbeat; but, they didn't exist when my children were young). However, my daughter is on several and likes Sittercity and Care.com best as that's where she gets most of her clients.
I think the concept is a great idea and if you're careful, you can find some excellent sitters!
Good luck!
If you are looking for an occasional sitter why not check your neighborhood? My neighborhood is full of small children and there are a lot of available high school girls who babysit.
We have a neighborhood website where the girls can post their exprience (securely) and the parents who are looking for sitters can call from that list as well as checking out other neighbors and getting referrals.
My daughter is almost 16 and averages $10-$15/hour cash for up to 3 children. The 3 families are right down the street and walking distance. The moms love it because I am usually around if daughter needs something and the children see daughter a lot when we are all outside. We have a social neighborhood.
Robbie F on mamapedia has a daughter who is or was on one of the Sitter Sites and she could probably help you on finding the best site.
I did sign up for 1 sitter site once looking for an overnight sitter for daughter about 4 yrs ago and I was completely turned off and cancelled the account when more men than women answered my ad. Like I would leave my daughter overnight with men?? NOPE.
Good luck. Once you find a good sitter, pay well and you'll keep her!!
I've used Sittercity and Care.com. We found a fabulous nanny on sittercity! I've also found several babysitters who I haven't had to use yet (we already have some), but who sound great and come with references and background checks. I don't know about Seeking Sitters, but is it like the ones I mentioned where you have to join for a month or year or some length of time? If so, just join for the one month and you'll still get TONS of responses, names, numbers, etc. of people to interview.
I recommend Mom's Best Friend Agency www.mbfagency.com
They are highly respected. The company does on-going background checks (monthly) not just a one time check.
The sitters come complete with a tote bag full of toys and activities.
I would also recommend Sittercity.com. We have found a full time nanny and several babysitters from that site. You can search by zip code, level of education completed and many of the sitters provide references and background checks.
Hi M.,
I am a certified Seeking Sitter! You find them on the news etc.. Cream of the crop. They hire professional investigators to research each girl. No tickets, no arrests, have to have experience you name it.
There is a cost to sign up and you do pay more with them. They charge a booking fee etc. But as long as you give them 1 week's notice you are garanteed a sitter. But it might or might not be the same sitter. Girls book on their calendar their availability. I have been with them for 2 1/2 years and just do it on the side. Also holidays are going to be usually time and half pay etc...
I also own my own sitter service which is what i do mostly (when business is slow i do Seeking Sitters) as well as I work in a nursery every Sunday morning for them.
I am local in your area and have now 4 qualified backup sitters that have had background checks, all certifications and have worked for me when i was an asst director in the childcare field.
I also have 11 POSITIVE reviews here on Mamapedia: http://www.mamapedia.com/biz/babysitting-with-E.-keller-tx
my website is www.northtxsitters.com please feel free to call me or email me and i can answer any questions that you have! I also have online calendars that show availability etc and plenty of references! My families stay with us for the long run as we get attached vs seeming businessy... if that makes sense. (I am also on Sittercity, care.com etc)
E.
____@____.com
www.NorthTxSitters.com
817/235-9863
Formely Babysitting with E.
