With Valentine’s Day coming up, experts say it could be a good time for couples to start scheduling regular “date nights”. A study by the National Marriage Project found couples who scheduled weekly date nights or time alone each week were almost 4 times more likely to be “very happy” in their marriage than couples who did not.
Finding a sitter that is safe, reliable and available to watch the kids on date nights can be challenging for many parents. In more than 100 locations across the US, SeekingSitters is helping out by doing ALL of the work for families by finding and screening the top sitters. In addition, it is safe; their in-house private investigators thoroughly screen each sitter so you can feel good when leaving your kids. SeekingSitters says the top traits of a great babysitter include someone who’s dependable and responsible, who interacts with their kids and is certified in First Aid and CPR.
“Parents want a sitter who they can trust with their children – someone who will be spending quality time with them by doing special activities and games,” said Adrienne Kallweit, a licensed private investigator and a mom of three who founded SeekingSitters in 2004 with her husband. “They don’t want to worry that the sitter is texting or talking on their phone and plopping the kids in front of the TV. Sitters need to be engaged with the kids. When this happens, parents can have fun
together instead of feeling guilty.”Because of Kallweit’s background as a licensed private investigator, the background investigations are a key component to their service.
To find that sitter for Valentine’s Day and other Date Nights, Adrienne Kallweit recommends looking for these top seven traits that make up a good babysitter:
1. Great references: This is one of the most overlooked steps and one of the most important one. A good sitter should have had regular jobs and good references. Check them thoroughly by calling at least 3.
2. Responsible and reliable: A good sitter will show up on time and be prepared to watch the kids. They are polite and respectful.
3. Solid credentials: SeekingSitters only hires sitters who have a current First Aid card and CPR training. Check their knowledge of how to handle health issues or common injuries such as cuts, scrapes and bleeding.
4. A bag full of tricks: Sitters should be prepared with fun, age appropriate activities for kids including games and crafts. They spend time interacting with the kids while enjoying their bag of goodies.
5. Cleanliness: A good sitter cleans up afterwards and strives to leave the home looking better than when you left it. A top sitter keeps the place tidy and pitches in to help the kids do the same. Be sure to set clear expectations for the sitter before leaving.
6. Safety smarts: Good sitters put safety first. They don’t open the doors to strangers and won’t expose kids to Internet dangers. They keep their cell phone off and only use it in case of emergencies or to communicate with the parents.
7. They ask good questions: Experienced sitters will ask about the rules, discipline and find out in advance what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior for the kids. They request clear instructions about the kids as well as contact information and emergency details.
Most importantly, they like the kids, the kids like them and can’t wait to see them again.
SeekingSitters is available nationwide in 27 states with over 100 locations. That means wherever parents travel for work or vacation, they’ll be able to leave their kids with SeekingSitters’ babysitters who have been fully vetted.
About SeekingSitters:
Founded in 2004 in Tulsa, Okla., SeekingSitters is a nationally recognized babysitting service providing reliable, convenient and safe babysitting solutions for families, from last minute childcare needs to regular scheduled services. Founded by Adrienne Kallweit, a Licensed Private Investigator, SeekingSitters has an in-house investigation agency that provides hands on background screening of the professional sitters as well as all member families, ensuring the safest, most enjoyable experience for all SeekingSitters’ member families and referred professional sitters. SeekingSitters was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest growing private companies in 2010. The company was also the winner of Tulsa’s First Annual Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in November 2007 and was named one of the “25 Best Women-Owned Businesses” by Working Mother Magazine in 2008. SeekingSitters has been featured on Fox & Friends, CNN and CNN Headline News, CBS Early Show, in Entrepreneur Magazine and on the CNBC Show “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.” For more information, please visit http://www.seekingsitters.com.
About SeekingSitters Boulder/Fort Collins:
Ashley Haas has been the local owner of SeekingSitters Boulder and Fort Collins since 2012. She is a Colorado native and currently resides in Fort Collins with her husband Gary, two beautiful children, Miles (4.5 yrs) and Bailey (2 yrs), and her two dogs JoPaw and Kamba. While keeping busy being a mom, Ashley also loves to bake, read business books, spend time in the outdoors, and is a "greenie" at heart.
"As a mom, I know there is nothing more important than who looks after your children. I take great pride in helping families find reliable and safe sitting solutions by hiring only the BEST sitters. It's important to me that families feel that they can leave their worries at the door. SeekingSitters Boulder and Fort Collins is proud to provide a safe, reliable, and easy sitter solution that gives parents peace of mind."
