Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Before You Leave – Ten Things You Need to Discuss with Your Babysitter

In my last post I shared tips on how to find a reliable, new babysitter. On the day that your new babysitter comes for the first time, ask her to come at least half an hour before you need to leave. That way you’ll be able to discuss with her all the things you need in an unhurried way.  
 
Ten things you need to discuss with your babysitter before you leave:
  1. Leave a contact telephone number. You should always leave a phone number where you can be reached.  Clearly explain what matters she should call about.  Do you want them calling to ask if they can watch television or eat ice cream? Or do you want it restricted to serious emergency calls when someone is injured or ill?  It’s a good idea to have your kids (if they’re old enough) memorize this number as well as 9-1-1.

  1. Provide a medical release form.  If there’s a life-threatening emergency, doctors will treat your child, but if it’s not life-threatening they need parental consent.  To provide your children with the best protection, this release allows the babysitter to give consent in your place.  You’ve probably already signed a few of them at school for field trips or participating in sports. She’ll need to know the name, address, and phone number of the doctor’s office, and which hospital you prefer.

  1. Show the babysitter where the first aid supplies are kept.  She’ll need to find the band-aids when those knees get scraped.  Make sure she knows what medications are for the children and when they’re to be used.  It would be a good idea to keep these in a place separate from adult medications and supplies.

  1. Explain how to operate the alarm systems and watch her practice it.  She’ll need a house key too.

  1. Inform the babysitter about any special needs of the children.  This would include allergies to bees, food, necessary medication or treatments and how to administer them.

  1. Explain how to handle a fire emergency.  Where do you keep the fire extinguishers?  If she should burn food and set the alarms off, explain how to handle this.

  1. Define clearly what’s off-limits.  Are there rooms they shouldn’t enter?  Are there foods they shouldn’t eat?  Do you limit the use of computer, television, video games, etc?  Do you allow your children to use the phone and have visitors when you’re not home?  Are they allowed to leave the yard?

  1. Outline what chores the children are assigned.  Kids usually won’t volunteer this information, but if they hear you telling them in front of the babysitter it reinforces her authority.

  1. Discuss bedtime routine.  When is bedtime?  Do they children need a special blanket or toy to go to sleep?  Are they used to a story?  Do they need the night light on?  This is a good time for you to call home. Children get very creative in pushing the boundaries at bedtime and your intervention can eliminate a lot of the hassle.

  1. Remind her of your disciplinary standards.  The children will test her, so she needs to know what will work with each child, whether it’s time out or withholding a cherished toy or privilege. If they can clearly see that you have given authority to the babysitter and that you stand behind her it will cut down on the incidents of misbehavior.
You can make it easier on your babysitter by getting home at the time that you said you would and paying her promptly.  It’s good to express confidence and appreciation often, since she’s working hard to keep your children safe.  Knowing that you have a reliable babysitter who understands exactly what is required gives you peace of mind so you can go do what you need to.
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