What Instructions Should We Leave For The Babysitter?

Depending on how long your sitter will be babysitting, there may be a variety of instructions that you need to leave. If you sitter is sitting for just a few hours in the evening, she doesn’t need as much instruction as if she’s sitting for you for an entire day or on a regular basis.

At a minimum, you should discuss the following with your babysitter:

- Where you will be.

- How to contact you.

- When you will return.

- The location of emergency contact numbers.

- The location of the first aid box.

- Emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of a fire.

- Specific neighbors that may be helpful in an emergency.

- The location of any medications that should be given, and where they are kept.

- The layout of your home, and any areas that are off limits to the children and/or the babysitter.

- The location of any food for her and/or the children, and any preparation instructions.

- Any household chores that you expect the children and/or the babysitter to perform.

- Rules that you expect the children and the babysitter to follow.

- Rules for leaving the home, such as a walk to the park.

- Other responsibilities that you expect of your babysitter.

- Your expectation about use of the telephone and/or having friends visit while she is babysitting.

If your sitter will be spending the night, you should talk with her about:

- Bedtimes for the children, along with any bedtime routines they need to follow.

- Where your babysitter should sleep.

- Procedures for the morning, such as breakfast, teeth brushing, and other morning chores.

If your babysitter will be babysitting on a regular basis, you should prepare her more thoroughly. Discuss such things as:

- Activities she will be engaging in with the children.

- Procedures for accepting deliveries, such as signing for packages.

- Appointments that the children may have and who will be taking them.

- A full household schedule that includes limits on TV time, etc.

- How to operate the household appliances.

- The location of a spare key, should she be locked out of the house.

With the right preparation, you can feel confident that your children will be in good hands while you are unable to be with them, and that your babysitter is adequately prepared to sit in your home.

Posted in Child Care Issues

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