Babysitting Basics

Author: Shannon Miller

Babysitter and child.

Soon the kids will be out of school but your workday doesn’t change. If you’re looking for a babysitter (probably a teenager looking to make some summer cash!) to fill in some this summer there are a few things you need to know.

As a mom, I know that leaving my son with someone (particularly someone new) is not the easiest thing to do, but following a few simple tips just might relieve some of that uneasiness.

  • Have the sitter come over sometime while you are home to spend some time with the kids.  This allows all parties to get comfortable with one another.
  • On the day the sitter will actually be watching the kids, ask her to show up 20 minutes early, so you can go over (or remind her of) special information, such as the layout of the house (i.e. where the children’s rooms are, off-limit areas, phones, first aid supplies); children’s schedules (i.e. eating, bedtime, activities); house rules for television and computer use, visitors, phone calls.
  • Ensure that your babysitter knows first aid, CPR, etc.
  • Write down important numbers for the sitter, such as you and your spouse’s cell phone and/or work numbers; the phone number of a neighbor who could be contacted easily for their assistance in case of an emergency; emergency service numbers (i.e. police, ambulance, fire department, poison control).
  • Remind the sitter of common safe household practices, such as locking doors, closing blinds, locking windows, and not opening doors for strangers.

Follow these tips to ensure that you and your kids enjoy a relaxing and safe summer!

Source: http://www.safesitter.org/

Web Design and Marketing