BABYSITTING ESSENTIALS!

Do and don’t from an experienced babysitter. Let your children get to know your babysitter before the event. Think how you would feel if you woke up and found a stranger standing over your bed. Keeping time. The babysitter should arrive 15 minutes before you depart to receive instructions for the evening. Be clear on the time you expect to leave and return and stick to this time for your babysitter’s sake. If you plan to be out until the early hours, ask your babysitter to stay the night. Phone as early as possible if you are going to be late. Contact details Leave your contact phone number/s on a piece of paper beside the phone. Don’t leave just the name of the restaurant and expect the babysitter to look it up if there is an emergency – it could result in delays. An after-hours phone number for your doctor and emergency service numbers should also be left by the phone. In this day of technology it may also be necessary to ensure your babysitter is familiar with how to operate your telephone. Medication Point out to the babysitter where your first aid and medicine supplies are kept. Is she competent to deal with minor emergencies such as cuts and bumps? And if your child suffers from medical conditions such as asthma, make sure the babysitter knows how to administer the medication. Leave clear instructions for the timing and dosage of medicines, including non-prescription items such as infant paracetamol and cough syrups. Leave the house hazard-free for your children and the babysitter. Show your babysitter around Make sure nightwear, nappies, bedtime toys are laid out before you leave. It is also handy to ensure they know where extra linen and clothes are kept in case of spills etc. Show your sitter around the house, pointing out hazards and no go areas. Also point out where the light switches are located and any night lights or bedside lamps in the children’s room. Visitors and callers Try to avoid having friends or family call around while you are out and tell your babysitter what to say to visitors or callers. Make it clear to your babysitter that you don’t want the door opened to anyone the sitter doesn’t know. Ask you babysitter to be cautious about giving out details over the phone and to imply that there are other adults in the house. Etiquette Your babysitter should never entertain friends in your home without your permission. Ask to meet any guest beforehand. Sound from the radio, stereo and television should be kept to a minimum so the children’s sleep is not disturbed. It will also ensure the sitter can hear any sounds coming from the bedrooms. Your sitter should not bring alcohol or cigarettes into your home for consumption while babysitting. Remember the babysitter is a guardian of your child and should be fully alert at all times. How much is your babysitter worth? Agree on the rate before the event. Be clear and fair. If you call and ask the sitter stay longer, you should pay more for this time. Always pay your sitter at the end of the evening and ensure the sitter gets home safely.