American Red Cross shows parents struggling to find trusted babysitters, would pay more for well-trained teens

WASHINGTON – Parents say good babysitters are hard to find, according to a new American Red Cross poll.

The Red Cross poll found that in the past 24 months, 55 percent of parents surveyed decided to stay home because they couldn't find a babysitter. The survey also found that nearly a 30 percent of parents rejected a potential babysitter because of safety concerns.

Parents want to entrust their children to babysitters trained in first aid, CPR and childcare skills.  More than 80 percent of parents believe that teenage babysitters should be paid more if they have these skills.

"Parents want recommended sitters who have childcare training and CPR certification" said Tener Goodwin Veenema PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. "As a mother of four, I know that there is more to choosing a babysitter than price or availability. The safety and welfare of our children is first and foremost."

Ten percent pay between $11 and $15 an hour; while four percent pay between $16 and $20 an hour, making babysitting a potentially lucrative option for qualified teenagers.

For a complete look at the survey, click here.