Having a Special Needs Babysitter





I was recently asked on my Facebook page if I had any tips for babysitters. I think that it is common for special needs parents, especially those with young kiddos, to have never had a babysitter. Now, I don’t mean that these parents have never left their kids, but rather that they leave their kids with family members, or their spouse.

So, what do you do when you leave your child with a REAL babysitter for the first time? Here are my tips, really with the goal and aim that your child and your family establish a positive long-lasting relationship with a babysitter, that allows you the flexibility of being out of the house, and your child the ability to have another adult in their life that understands them.

This is my advice and by no means is a substitute for your own judgement. Please remember that. : )

Having a Special Needs Babysitter

Who do I hire? You are going to hate this one, so I apologize ahead of time. BUT, so you know, my rule is that my babysitters must be over 18, enrolled/graduated from college, or have a stable job related to my child’s challenges. The age requirement is purely for experience. A young ‘mature’ teenager doesn’t have enough life experience to handle my kids. I am sure there are exceptions, but that’s my rule. Also, they must display some kind of interest in special needs kids, because I am not just looking for someone who wants to make money. 
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