ForeCourt Winter 2018

How to Find a Reliable Babysitter

Narrow the Field and Find the Perfect Fit

Date night is good for the whole family, and the University of Lincoln found that, even when all other factors are removed, couples who regularly go out together are more likely to stay together. But child care is a full-time job, and it doesn’t leave much room for romantic moonlit strolls. Having a great babysitter will free up your schedule for some much-needed couple time. But how do you find a sitter you can trust? These tips and resources will help you find a sitter your whole family will feel comfortable with. Seek Out Personal Recommendations When you’re looking for a high-trust service like babysitting, it’s often best to ask friends and family for recommendations. This is especially true if you know people whose children are close in age to your own. Ask questions about the referrals you receive to make sure your potential sitter will be a good fit for your family’s needs. Turn to Trusted Local Organizations Colleges, neighborhoods, and places of worship often maintain lists of reliable sitters within the community. Asking members of these groups for testimonials will help you gauge a candidate’s professionalism. Kindergartens and day care centers are another great local resource to turn to. Often, teachers and assistants will moonlight as sitters, bringing with them a host of child care skills.

Surf the Web There are great web-based resources for finding babysitters. Make sure the sites you visit are properly accredited and have plenty of good reviews. Most national sites do a full background check on all of their listed sitters. These almost always charge a membership fee, but many parents feel that added layer of security is worth it. Conduct Interviews Ultimately, the only way you can know if a candidate is the right babysitter for you is to meet them yourself. Make sure the whole family is present; you’ll want to pay attention to how your potential sitter interacts with your kids during the interview. Ask questions specific to your family’s needs and keep the needs of the sitter in mind, as well. Finding a babysitter who can give you and your partner peace of mind is essential. Thankfully, there’s a wealth of local and web-based resources you can pull from. With a little inquiring, you’ll be able to leave home knowing your children are in great hands.

GET INSPIRED

Sweet and Zesty Detox Salad

Ingredients

Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.

For the Dressing: • 1 large carrot, roughly chopped • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger • 1 tablespoon honey

For the Salad: • 3 cups chopped kale leaves • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets • 2 cups chopped red cabbage • 1 cup matchstick carrots • 1 cup chopped cilantro • 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds • 1/3 cup sliced green onions • 1 diced avocado

• 1 tablespoon white miso • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.

401-333-4480 • 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro . www.TheNewsletterPro.com

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog