Need someone to watch over your kid while you tend to work? Sure! Just Google up your query, click some links and you are good to go! The only problem is, searching for ‘babysitters in Georgia’ returned 1,330,000 results on Google! And this is just one state! So, while Google may be a great directory, it cannot make sure that the product or services that the websites you visit through it are reliable. You’d have to do your own hunt and research to find reliable and trusted babysitting websites online. And there is only so much investigation you can do of someone you aren’t personally meeting or interacting with.
Why Babysitting Websites Cannot Be Trusted With Your Child’s Safety and Well-being
Following are some of the many reasons why you shouldn’t opt for babysitting websites.
Websites Can be Unreliable
There is only so much information available on a website. You are not meeting them in person, so you cannot really be sure what you are getting yourself into. If you have just moved in into a new town and cannot find a nanny agency in your area, do thorough investigations of a website before entrusting them with your child alone. There are a few tips and tricks that can help you through the process, but choose babysitting websites as your absolute last option.
Make sure you screen the website inside out. Don’t just look for vague information; check their contact information, nanny profiles, registrations and certifications, recommendations, etc. The website should provide enough details so that you can do your own private investigation should you want to, of course in a non-creepy way! Especially when it comes to screening nanny profiles online. They should have their full names up, rather than some cute nicknames their previous tiny clients gave them. Also included should be the area where they reside, schools they went to, years of experience, etc.
They Don’t Have a Contact Number
If live chat and emails are their only mode of communications, better you don’t communicate with them at all!
Asks for Credit Card Info
Some sites may ask questions like the number of family members, number of children and their ages, perhaps even email addresses or phone numbers to get in touch with you or for the sake of data collection, but anything more than that is just unnecessarily intrusive and unsafe. You should never share personal details like home addresses and credit card details until and unless you have made sure that the business is legit.
Unbelievably Low Prices!
As tempting as this may seem, it can actually do more harm than good. If the babysitting website offers unbelievable prices and discounts, then you’d be better off not believing them. Experienced and well-trained nannies know their worth, and they wouldn’t be willing to work for pennies; and if they are, then they wouldn’t be reliable or experienced enough; definitely not worth exposing your kids to.
Look for the ‘S’ next to the HTTP
Right before the website address beginning, there is a code that reads HTTP, stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. But in many cases, there is an S at the end of it. This is a short form for SSL and ensures that the website you are visiting is actually secure and the data shared would be encrypted. All trusted sites use HTTPS codes to make sure that their visitors’ information remains secure. If the website is unsecure, you run the risk of data theft. Also, look for the website’s privacy policy. The websites privacy policy explains how your data will be collected, used and protected.
The Website Doesn’t Feel Right
If everything seems in place about the website but your gut feeling tells you something is wrong, go with the gut feeling. Always better to play it safe!
So What Other Options Do You Have!
As is evident, there are multiple cons and red flags when searching for babysitting websites online; and when it comes to the safety of your kids, you cannot be too careful. Babysitting websites should be your last resort when it comes to finding care for your little ones. Whenever possible, opt for other options listed below:
Daycares in Your Area
If you are looking for a long term solution, then it is best that you opt for a credited registered daycare in your area. It is not only safe but will provide your child with opportunities to learn and socialize.
Family and Friends
If you only need a last-minute solution or a date night once in a blue moon, it’d be better to reach out to family and friends nearby. Most grandparents, aunts, and uncles would jump on the opportunity to spend some one on one time with their favorite little people. Another great option is a neighbor you have a great relationship with; especially if they too have young kids. You can take turns babysitting, and the kids would be close to home too.
Trusted Nanny Agencies
There is no denying that babysitters are the most suitable options for many families. They are available even at a short notice, can take care of your child the entire day, even live-in when required and take care of the house chores too! But, the idea is to find someone reliable and trustworthy. And the best way to do that is to look for someone through a registered nanny agency.
Referrals
A little research on your end will guide you to the most secure and trusted nanny agencies and babysitters in your area. Even if you are new to town, you can ask your colleagues or network of friends and acquaintances on social media to recommend someone with experience and a good track record. But don’t just blindly hire someone because your neighbor’s vet recommended them, do your own background checks, investigations and screening before hiring someone.
There is no such thing as being too careful when it comes to the safety of your children. So rather than just clicking on websites recommended by search engines based on their digital marketing skills instead of their business skills, it is better you look for someone who is highly regarded in their area of expertise, i.e. taking care of young, vulnerable children.
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