Looking for a babysitter you can trust? Learn six essential steps to help you choose the right caregiver for your child—ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Every parent needs a night out once in a while. But leaving your children in someone else’s care can feel nerve-wracking. Choosing the right babysitter takes more than finding someone who’s “nice.” It’s about finding someone dependable, experienced, and genuinely caring. Here’s how to make a confident, informed choice that keeps everyone safe and happy.

1. Don’t Hire Just Because They Seem Nice

It’s tempting to trust someone who seems friendly, but appearances can be deceiving. Not everyone with a warm smile has good intentions. Be cautious and thorough. Take time to get to know the person and verify their background before leaving them in charge.

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2. Ask for—and Check—References

Always ask for references and confirm them carefully. Call each one to learn about the sitter’s past experience. Some references may be friends or relatives, so look for those who can speak about actual babysitting jobs. You want to know how this person has handled real childcare situations.

Parent Tip: Ask questions like:
“How old were the children they cared for?”
“Would you hire this person again?”

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3. Conduct a Family Interview

Schedule a friendly, in-person meeting. Include your child in the conversation and observe how the sitter interacts with them. Does your child feel comfortable? Does the sitter seem genuinely kind and attentive?

Remember: Never force a babysitter on your child. Comfort and trust matter most.

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4. Set Clear Rules and Expectations

Once you’ve made your choice, discuss your household rules—no smoking, limited phone use, no visitors, bedtime routines, and screen time limits. Make sure your expectations are understood before you leave.

Parent Tip: Write down your rules and contact information so your sitter has them handy.

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5. Stay Alert for Warning Signs

If you plan to use a sitter regularly, keep an eye out for changes in your child’s behavior.

• Do they act fearful or withdrawn when you mention the sitter?
• Have eating or sleeping habits changed?
• Are there any unexplained bruises or injuries?

If something doesn’t feel right, address it immediately—and contact authorities if necessary.

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6. Look for a Caregiver, Not Just a Babysitter

The ideal sitter treats your child with the same love, patience, and respect you would. They should be dependable, caring, and trustworthy—someone your whole family feels comfortable with.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right babysitter takes time and thoughtful attention, but the peace of mind you gain is worth it. When you find someone who truly connects with your child and respects your home, you’ve found more than a sitter—you’ve found a trusted partner in your child’s care.

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ADHD Workbook for Kids: A Beginner’s ADHD Guide For Parents With 10 Curated Therapeutic Worksheets To Improve Child’s Focus and Build Character

Written by Henry Lee

This workbook is a good place to start for a parent investigating ADHD or for anyone seeking general knowledge about this disorder.

Lee addresses the symptoms, causes, and different types. He explores how to handle ADHD in different environments such as home, school, and social situations. The author explores different types of behavioral management plans, academic instruction plans, medications, meal plans, and the need for parents to join support groups.

While the book cannot address all the possible variations, medications, educational interventions or behavioral symptoms, it does provide a good starting point for parents facing a diagnosis or an educator seeking effective ways to deal with children in their classroom who have been diagnosed.

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Can You Hear Me, Daddy?: A Heartwarming Children’s Book About Loss and Grief

Written by Y.Y. Chan

Illustrated by Pearly L.

This book explores how cancer affects children in a family. It is written in first person from the point of view of a young daughter whose father has been diagnosed with cancer.

Written in the calendar format of a diary, the daughter explores the ups and downs of cancer. There is surgery, then hope, and then despair. The dying father tenderly explains that his daughter will always be able to talk to him in her heart.

While the book discusses a sad topic, the author presents the topic with empathy and hope. I would recommend the book for families who face cancer and would like an approach to opening up the topic with their children.

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Moshe Comes to Visit

Written by Tehila Sade Moyal

Illustrated by Fatima Pires

A little boy is terrified of monsters that come into his room at night. His parents try to comfort him. Eventually, his father comes up with a solution in the form of an agreement that is hung on the wall. A logical way to help the protagonist and the reader face irrational fears.

Then the book takes a sudden turn. When a cockroach enters the home, the boy decides to name him Moshe and befriend the creature. Unfortunately, his mother is terrified of Moshe. The boy must come up with a creative solution to save his friend and please his mother.

The rhymes are sometimes a bit difficult to read. I applaud the creative plot, but the English translation lacks fluidity.

A useful resource for a family with a young child who experiences night tremors.

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Since it is widely agreed upon in the educational and child development communities that early recognition of the characteristics of a gifted child, is a key factory in successfully developing the child, it is important for the parent to have at least a general understanding of these gifted characteristics.
First of all in order to be classified as a gifted child, the child must have the ability to perform at a level that is significantly beyond other children of like age. O.K. So, for a parent, what might this look like or what should I look for in my child?

Of course, every child is endowed with unique capabilities and has the potential for maximizing these qualities.

The following are some guidelines to help your awareness when it comes to recognizing the characteristics of a gifted child. Keep in mind that there are varying levels of giftedness, as you view the guidelines.

Cognitive Skills (thinking or though processing)

Ability to master new skills with extraordinary speed.
A deeper knowledge than other children the same age.
Extraordinary memory and recall of events, facts, and/or figures.
Advanced creativity and ability to improvise.
Acute alertness to their surroundings.
Advanced or more complex sense of humor.

Learning Patterns

Great and constant curiosity along with high level of motivation to learn.
As a result of the previous, being bored easily if not challenged
Advanced ability to stay focused or lengthy attention span. Even with more difficult topics.
Advance organizational or planning skills.
Advance logic and problem solving skills.

Speech and Language

Well developed word vocabulary and language compared to children of the same age.
Creative uses of words and sentence structure and again, sense of humor.
Ability to adapt their use of the language to a given level to fit the situation.
Ability to understand and carry out complex instructions.
General advanced ability in reading, writing, and working with numbers.

Social

Sensitivity to other s feelings
Use of their advance language skills to resolve conflict or debate.
Organize and direct behavior of other children (may seem bossy to other children).
Many times will feel more at home with older children.
May have high expectations of themselves (and others) that can lead to frustration and even anger.

Other

A generally high aptitude for logical problems, games, puzzles, or any type of problem solving or activity that requires creative thinking and reaction.

Final Note: Although these characteristics of a gifted child may provide you with some initial insight and understanding, it is important to seek a formal assessment of your child in this area if you feel that your child exhibits several of these characteristics.

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How to Be a Big Sister Book for 3 Year Old and Up Girls: A Fun Rhyming Story to Help Your Little Girl Welcome a New Baby Sibling with Love and Confidence — The Perfect Gift for Toddlers

Written by Elowen Clover

This rhyming picture book is meant to prepare the future big sister for her new role in her growing family.

The book is easy for toddlers and preschoolers to understand. Large expressive illustrations enhance the lessons. The new big sister is taught how to assist with feeding, changing, singing, bathing, and family outings. There are simple ways to learn how to be a loving big sister and friend to the new sibling.

Hidden pacifiers on the pages encourage interactivity and increase engagement.

Recommended to expectant parents to prepare for the new arrival.

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Teaching critical thinking to children in elementary school is crucial for their overall development and future success. Here are a few reasons why it is important:

1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Critical thinking equips children with the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems creatively. By encouraging them to think critically, we empower them to approach challenges with a logical and analytical mindset. This skill is not only beneficial during their academic years but also helps them navigate real-life situations effectively.
2. Promotes Independent Thinking: Teaching critical thinking encourages children to question information, sources, and perspectives. They learn to evaluate evidence, form their own opinions, and make informed decisions. This fosters independence of thought, empowering children to rely on their own judgment rather than simply accepting what they are told.
3. Develops Analytical Abilities: Critical thinking helps children develop strong analytical skills. They learn to break down complex problems into smaller manageable parts, analyze each part individually, and then synthesize the information to form a coherent understanding. This process of analysis develops their ability to assess situations objectively and make logical connections.
4. Encourages Curiosity and Creativity: When children are taught critical thinking, they naturally become more curious and open-minded. They learn to ask questions, explore various possibilities, and seek a deeper understanding of the world around them. This curiosity fuels their creativity and enables them to think outside the box, fostering innovation and originality.
5. Prepares for the Future: In today’s rapidly evolving world, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. As children grow up, they will encounter new challenges, diverse perspectives, and complex issues. By nurturing their critical thinking abilities from an early age, we equip them with the skills necessary to adapt, problem-solve, and thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic society.

In conclusion, teaching critical thinking to children in elementary school is essential for their intellectual growth and overall development. It empowers them to think independently, make informed decisions, and face challenges with confidence. By fostering critical thinking skills, we prepare them for a future where adaptability, creativity, and analytical abilities are highly valued.

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It’s a difficult choice, but here’s what you need to consider in a nutshell.

Benefits of Homeschooling that outweigh Public Schools

Homeschooling Strengthens Values & Beliefs

• Homeschooling allows families to intentionally instill values that are important to them and the freedom to share and practice their faith without restrictions.
• Public schools promote a fixed set of values, often without room for critical thought or diverse perspectives.

Self-Discipline is required in homeschooling.

• In homeschool, discipline comes from within, not from peer pressure or performance competition.
• Learning to do the work even when it’s hard or boring = real growth.
• Contrast this with the high-achieving public-school students often running on OCD-like habits.

Early Intervention

• Problems—academic, behavioral, learning disabilities—are often caught early in homeschool.
• Public school systems often miss these issues until it’s too late or harder to reverse unhealthy habits.

Social Struggles and safety

• Homeschooling minimizes exposure to toxic social games: popularity, fashion, peer pressure.
• Public school culture tends to push conformity over individuality.
• There has been a rise in school shootings and safety concerns over the years.

Bullying

• It exists in public school, period—even the good ones.
• Homeschool environments naturally reduce bullying due to smaller, safer social dynamics where adults are present.

Independent Thought

Public school tends to promote conformity through standard curriculum and groupthink dynamics.

Homeschool fosters real critical thinking: reading widely, analyzing deeply, discussing openly.

The Case for Public Schooling

1. Access to Certified Teachers & Specialists
   Public schools employ trained educators, special education professionals, counselors, and support staff who are equipped to handle a wide range of academic and emotional needs.
2. Built-in Socialization
   Students interact daily with a variety of peers, helping them develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and teamwork—sometimes these skills are hard to replicate in smaller settings.
3. Diversity of Perspectives & Experiences
   Public school classrooms often reflect broader society, exposing students to different cultures, beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and worldviews.
4. Extracurricular Opportunities
   Sports teams, music programs, theater, clubs, and leadership organizations are often more accessible and varied and are often offered free of cost to students.
5. Support for Working Families
   Public schools provide consistent, structured schedules and resources like transportation and school meals, offering vital support for dual-income or single-parent households.

Challenges and Trade-offs

While both homeschooling and public schooling offer unique benefits, they also come with their share of challenges and trade-offs. Homeschooling requires a significant time and energy investment from parents, who are also juggling teaching with their other responsibilities. And while most homeschoolers are tired of hearing about “socialization” it can also be a concern if families aren’t intentional about creating community connections.

On the other hand, public school students may face larger class sizes, less individualized attention, and exposure to bullying or peer pressure. While public schools offer a more structured environment and access to trained educators, they also come with curriculum constraints and limited flexibility.

What It Really Comes Down To

It’s a big decision to decide on your child’s educational path. But you are the best person to make that choice. Consider what is truly important to you and what is best for your child and your family then move forward in that direction. Homeschooling has changed a lot over the years. You don’t have to do it alone. There is a plethora of online classes, support groups, co-ops, and people that are around you if you just look.

This post is sponsored by Expound Publicity. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You

Written by Anna McArthur

Ages: 18+ | 168 Pages

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-64343-560-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Many of us did everything we could to prepare for becoming moms, but there just wasn’t any way to know what might lie ahead. Most of us have, at one point or another, looked around and wondered if we are alone in our parenting challenges. Hope for Moms offers a heartfelt guide for mothers navigating both the joys and heartbreak of being a mom, sharing Anna McArthur’s personal journey through parenting difficulties such as learning disabilities, LGBTQ+ identities, and adoption. Structured around a triage plan that helped the author prioritize her family’s needs, it includes practical insights, quotes, and reflection questions to support moms in their journey of resilience and soul care. With gentleness and humor, McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive.

McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive. If you’re a mom who feels overwhelmed by the curveballs life has thrown your way, you aren’t alone—yes, it’s tough out there, but so are you!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna McArthur is a mom to four kids, including two recent college graduates and twin girls who are high schoolers. She is a blogger, newspaper guest columnist, and contributor to parenting magazines and websites, including Her View from Home and the Motherly Collective. Anna’s essays have recently been published by Grown and Flown and Business Insider.

A graduate of Clemson University and Columbia Theological Seminary, Anna lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Bryan, and their teenaged girls, who are much cooler than her. Anna loves to read, garden, hike, and eat dips for dinner.

For more information, visit hopeformomsbook.com.

https://www.instagram.com/hopeformomsbook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555908861922

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

TURNING LIFE’S CURVEBALLS INTO HOME RUNS

Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You
Written by: Anna McArthur

A book written from the heart by a mom who has faced social-emotional challenges, physical disabilities, and financial distress while raising her family. Any parent will attest to the fact that parenting is one job that comes without a playbook or set of rules. McArthur shares her difficult journey in the hope that her experiences and difficult lessons will benefit other families.

She reminds moms that it is okay to accept help from others, to stop expecting perfect kids, and to be realistic in your hopes and dreams. Instead, understand that moms cannot protect themselves or their children from heartaches or disappointments. The author reminds the reader that raising a family is hard for all of us.

All parents make mistakes; it is more important to keep trying. Stop comparing your parenting style to others. Find the things that make your family unique. Do not compare your family to others. As children grow older and become more independent, moms must learn to listen more than talk. The best solution is to keep an open mind and keep learning.

I highly recommend this book for new parents as well as those facing challenges.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You by Anna McArthur.

CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER:

https://gleam.io/2SqLW/hope-for-moms-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 24, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Friday, April 25, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Monday, April 28, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Tuesday, April 29, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Wednesday, April 30, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Thursday, May 1, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Friday, May 2, 2025Country Mamas With KidsGuest Post about Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Monday, May 5, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Anna McArthur

Tuesday, May 6, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

Thursday, May 8, 2025@pieladybooksBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You

TBD@bookstrofficialAuthor Interview with Anna McArthur