Flexible schedules, youthful energy, the ability to multitask — there are so many reasons to hire a college student.
And on Care.com, you can even search for caregivers based on where they go (or went) to school.
Whether you have older children who solely need care during summer break or are parents of younger tykes with a more flexible schedule, hiring a college or graduate student may be just the ticket. But hiring a student sitter also comes with some unique things you need to consider.
Here are nine tips to help manage your new caregiver relationship:
- Understand That School Is Their First Priority
For college students, education comes first; work comes second. As a parent, this sets a great example for your children. But as an employer, you have to keep this in mind.
- Decide Whether a Car Is a Necessity
One perk of hiring a college sitter is that he or she probably has enough driving experience and is less green than say a high school sitter. If you’re going to include activities for your children that require travel, establish whose car is to be used. Remember, most higher-ed students are strapped for cash, so they may not have cars — or they may not be allowed to have one on campus. Will this be a problem?
- Consider Your Sitter’s Schedule
As a parent, juggling schedules is something you’re probably used to doing. But when it comes to a babysitter, it may make things more hectic.Abigail Gray, Boston-based mother of two and owner of Cooking with Abby, suggests that you “be totally upfront with what is required and where you have wiggle room.” Make sure that they understand your scheduling — and that they can actually work the hours that you want. If you’re running late, will the student risk missing a class? Discuss changes well in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts, and have a backup care plan in place if those conflicts can’t be resolved.
Keep in mind that a student’s schedule changes every semester and certain times of the year are busier than others. Find out when midterms and finals are — and discuss if schedules will need to change.
- Discuss Holidays
If your sitter isn’t from the area, he or she may head home for winter, spring and summer breaks. Talk about this ahead of time and plan for it. Will holidays be an issue? Can you find backup care during these times?
- Realize That Most College-Age Caregivers Aren’t Parents
This doesn’t mean they don’t have a “parent’s touch” or aren’t well-versed in child care. Just take into account college students don’t have as much hands-on experience managing kids or a home as a professional nanny. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but look for sitters with child care experience to make things a bit easier.
- Understand the Tax Rules
Even though your college-aged nanny isn’t a professional caregiver, they are still your employee, which means the nanny tax rules apply to you. “College students are not usually familiar with how taxes work, so it’s important you explain the basics to them,” says Tom Breedlove, director of Care.com HomePay.
- Set Guidelines and Expectations
Can your sitter be on social media when watching your kids? Can she study or do homework during work hours? If so, at what times? Figure out what activities (academic or not) you’re comfortable having your sitter engaging in while caring for your children. Choose what’s right for you and your clan and communicate that.Learn how to be a Fair Care Employer
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- Plan for Change
As much as you love your sitter, he or she will eventually graduate and move on to new challenges. But remember: college and graduate students can be the ultimate referral source with a plethora of peers looking for work. They’ll likely know younger college students who can step in to care for your kids.John Crossman, a Florida-based father of two who has worked with college sitters throughout the years, offers some insight. “After [our first sitter] graduated, she referred us to one of her friends, also a nursing student. This went on for a total of four times. We loved each of them.”|
- Prepare Your Kids
When your sitter has to move on, you’ll have to address the nanny-child separation issue. This varies depending on your child’s age. For example, a 3-year-old won’t be affected the same way as a 7-year-old. Openly discuss the change with your child well before it takes place to ensure a successful transition. It may be helpful to include your sitter in the conversation.Many parents follow their sitters’ endeavors and successes, well after they move on from their caretaker roles. Former sitters are often positive mentors and role models for children. “One of [our sitters] got married and had both of our daughters in her wedding, which was all in Spanish and was wonderful,” reminisces Crossman.
Whether you’re looking for a mother’s helper, babysitter, nanny or someone to simply watch your kids while you take that much need break for yourself, hiring a college student is a great care solution.
Kayla Mossien is a writer for prominent blogs and websites and is the former editor-in-chief of PARENTGUIDE News.
