We are so careful to check references on babysitters while at home…calling previous employers…asking friends for feedback…but while away either domestically or abroad how do you scrutinize the person watching your kids? Do you skip the night out with your partner or hope the hotel recommending someone has done their homework?
While away in Japan, we left our first child, then 2 months old, with the maid who spoke no english. We didn’t carry a cellular telephone and she had no way of reaching us should something go wrong…would we have done this in the states? NO WAY!!! So why is it ok on vacation?
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We have done exactly the same thing in Fiji and Singapore 2 years ago (though we were 2 min from the resort). We had never left our daughter with a baby sitter in Australia ever as we didn’t trust them. Yet we felt safe in a resort/5 star hotel. I think it was because the sitters were hotel employees and we knew that they were accountable for it.
Our daughter is now 4 and we have another baby. I don’t know if I would do it again – esp overseas!
Choosing a reliable nanny or babysitter whom you can trust with your children can be tedious and down right scary, especially if your children are still very young. Knowing what to ask, what to check and what instructions and information to give this person is of critical importance. Although it’s scary, being cautious and doing your homework will give you peace of mind and that’s worth its weight in gold.