Parents Are Hiring Before-School Babysitters To Cut Down on Morning Mayhem
If you ever wished for one more set of hands in the morning, this trend may be for you.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottIt's early August and my kids are back at school—and I’m already wondering how I’m going to replicate the whiplash-inducing routine all year long.Our day starts at 5 a.m., with one child off to a before-school sports practice, and two others rising in the wee hours to catch the painfully early middle school bus. Then it’s time to get our elementary schooler up and off to his drop-off, and finally, I sprint over to the preschool with the 3-year-old.
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Like every other frazzled parent in the morning, amid the madness, I’m also making sure each lunch has an ice pack, filling water bottles, reminding the kids to pack their supplies, and attempting to keep it in perspective that the fact we never have any matching socks is not a truly big problem.If our before-school chaos is at all relatable, then perhaps like me, you’ll also be interested to learn about a growing trend of parents hiring before-school babysitters to help with this stressful time of day. What Does a Before-School Babysitter Do?According to Sean Lacey, General Manager of Child Care for Care.com, before-school babysitters are helping parents streamline their routines and eliminate morning mayhem.“This type of care is a game-changer, allowing parents to focus on their own morning routines without the added stress of getting the kids dressed, fed, and ready for school,” he tells Parents.Lacey says his site is seeing all kinds of parents start hiring sitters in August for early-morning care just as the back-to-school season kicks off. That includes parents who have 9-to-5 jobs, and nontraditional schedules, to single moms and dads. Some caregivers may even have to leave the house before their kids are off to school. Many ultimately use these sitters year-round.The types of duties before-school sitters help with can include anything needed to make the morning routine run more smoothly, from making their beds to packing lunches, all the way to the school drop-off. “It comes down to what is going to make the morning less stressful for the family, allowing the children to get to school on time and parents to meet their morning obligations,” says Laura Davis, the owner of Jovie, a provider of nannies, sitters, and tutors.In fact, Davis says she's seen care providers do it all, from a last-minute homework check to starting laundry, unloading the dishwasher, revving up the Crockpot, or even doing a grocery store run.But of course, there is a cost for convenience. Based on 2023 Care.com job post data, parents were willing to pay an average rate of $18.84/hour for a before-school sitter.At-Home Care vs. Drop-Off CareAccording to Lacey, parents are hiring sitters rather than seeking out before-care offered by schools or daycares due to the flexibility, convenience, and personalization that can be delivered right at home. “When a sitter comes directly to your home in the morning, they’re able to assist with tasks that a center simply can’t. This personalized support reduces morning stress and helps both parents and kids start the day off on the right foot,” Lacey says.Having care come to you also helps parents streamline their commute by eliminating an extra stop, not to mention allowing sleep-deprived little ones to get extra zzz’s during a jam-packed week.Hiring a Before-School SitterIf you are looking to hire a before-school sitter, the experts we talked to offer parents these tips:Make a list. Sit down and think about what you need and want from a before-school babysitter so you can prioritize what to look for and ask during an interview. Be realistic. Most before-school jobs are short shifts. With that in mind, build a job description that will be of interest and allow a sitter or nanny to earn extra income. You could also offer to pay a minimum of hours each day. Discuss detailed transportation considerations. If relevant, ask prospective sitters how long they’ve been driving, if they have a reliable vehicle and car insurance, or if they feel comfortable driving your vehicle under your coverage. Also, be sure to look at their driving record.“In terms of where to begin your search, I’d start at your children’s school. Maybe there is a paraprofessional who would love a few extra morning hours on the way to work. They can even carpool with the kids!” Davis adds.Other Morning Care OptionsIf you're not in a position to be able to afford a before-school babysitter, there are other options. Kristen Miller, the Director of Education for Celebree School wants parents to know that beforecare at your child’s school is also a great option if you need a helping hand in the morning.“This is a space your child already knows well, and more than likely, many of their school friends also attend,” she tells Parents. A childcare center may also be a good fit for your family.“Always make sure the program is licensed through the state, and it is a bonus if the program is accredited, which means an outside agency has deemed the program of high quality,” Miller advises. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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