Babysitting and the Family

Babysitting is the practice of caring for a child or children on a short-term, temporary basis for the parents or guardians of the child. Babysitting is different from child care or nanny care, both of which are ongoing and consistent and have an educational expectation. The primary purpose of babysitting is to keep children safe. Babysitting is not regulated by a legal entity as are child care programs. To help ensure that the child or children have a satisfying and safe experience, the parent or guardian should select a sitter who is responsible, has basic skills, and is willing to follow directions and enforce family policy. This entry describes the characteristics of a desirable babysitter and presents information on preparing for the babysitter.