How do you find a babysitter?

Do you know the middle school girl? That would be a big factor in deciding if it was me. I had a coworker's daughter watch my son a couple of mornings last summer. He was just 4 months old, and she only watched him for about 3 hours two days. She was 13 at the time, but she had been through a babysitting class, and at the time she watched my son, there was a young woman living with their family that had just had a baby, so she had a lot of experience. Another thing about it was that my next door neighbors knew that she was there and was young, and they could have helped her in an emergency. Also, I was only about 5 minutes away. I would start checking with friends that have kids, and see who they might recommend.

I think that it all depends on the ages of your kids. I know that when my son was 12 he started babysitting. He was very mature for his age also. I would ask for references. If they have babysat for others in your area, just give them a call and see if they would recommend them. Also, in our area they have a babysitting class that many middle school age kids take. If it is available in your area, ask if they have taken it. It is hard to leave kids with another child, but I am sure they will have fun and everything will be great. I am lucky now with my 7 yr old daughter. She has 3 older brothers ages 13, 15, 18 and between the 3 of them I always have a sitter.

My sister lives in GA and she said that there it is illegal to have a sitter under 18. So be sure of the laws in your state. I would NEVER trust a 14 year old as a babysitter on a daily basis. Maybe for nights out or errands. I guess it would depend on the child but I assume it is a teen you do not know? I would look in the local paper or call DHS they are the ones that certify daycare workers here. I am so protective and my daughter is so shy I have a problem finding sitters. I had soe real doozies when she was a baby. They have me real leary of unknown persons sitting for me.