Is It OK for a Male to Babysit Our Children?
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Statistical data on the subject of abuse by babysitters goes both ways: while male babysitters commit more sexual assault than female babysitters, female babysitters commit more physical abuse than male babysitters. In addition, it is important to remember that abuse by babysitters is the exception rather than the rule; The vast majority of abusers (according to some studies about 90%) are not babysitters at all but rather are family members or acquaintances, rather than babysitters.
In addition, many parents are concerned about having a male, especially a teenage boy, as a babysitter. Teenage boys tend to be portrayed by the media and on television as being vastly irresponsible. However, these stereotypes do not always hold true. There are many responsible, respectable teenage boys who enjoy working with children; there are also many irresponsible teenage girls who are not a good choice as a babysitter.
When trying to find a babysitter, you have to determine what is most important for you. Are your kids a bit unruly and undisciplined? Get a babysitter who can implement your disciplinary instructions well. This could certainly be a female, but more often might be a male. Do you have three girls who all like to play dress-up? A male babysitter probably may not be very entertaining; a female babysitter might be more appropriate.
Regardless of whether you are considering a male or female babysitter, there are more important characteristics to consider. Is the babysitter responsible? Are they a quick thinker? Are they able to respond in an emergency? Are they trained in first aid? Do they enjoy being with your children? Do the children enjoy being with the babysitter? Ultimately, while gender may play a part in selecting a babysitter, it is generally not the deciding factor.
The screening process that you use in finding a babysitter is extremely important. Only by checking references and thoroughly interviewing a potential babysitter, or even by utilizing a criminal background check, can you lessen the risk posed by any potential babysitter, whether they are male or female.
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