Speed-networking for parents and babysitters in Guelph
Speed dating is often used to bring strangers together to find out whether or not they might be compatible in a relationship. While this method is typically used to screen romantic partners, local entrepreneur Eva Shortt has applied the same concept to introduce parents to potential babysitters.
Shortt, owner of Modern Mommy Events, came up with the idea for babysitter speed dating as a new parent struggling to make connections in a new city. Having entrepreneurship in her genes and a background in social work, she saw a need to fill in the community.
“I am a mom and I understand the value of babysitting,” said Shortt in an interview with The Ontarion.
“[And] people of all ages, including students and retirees, are looking for flexible work.”
Shortt’s babysitter speed-networking events brings together parents and babysitters to connect with one another and use rapid question-and-answer sessions to determine whether or not if they would like to work together. Parents are guided by a questionnaire to ask in each meeting and complimentary childcare is provided during the event.
“[Parents] will be able to meet lots of different babysitters in one sitting over a two-day period,” said Shortt, who has planned two babysitter speed-networking events in Guelph this month, the first of which took place at the Guelph Public Library’s main branch on Sept. 11.
Throughout the hour-long session, parents met with 10 babysitters who were encouraged to come prepared with their recent criminal record check, babysitting certification, first aid certificate, and a favourable schedule for babysitting.
With the event focusing on flexible babysitting jobs rather than full-time daycare, Shortt hopes to offer students the opportunity to pick up part-time work that fits their busy schedules during the school year.
Photo by Wallaceer (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).