If you think that your job as a parent is over after finding a babysitter, then you are wrong. Although the natural tendency is to leave the kids with the sitter and head out the door for a well-deserved day off, there are other things you still have to consider before leaving your kids. Your responsibilities dont end with hiring a sitter. You play as much a part at securing your childs safety as your sitter. Even with a professional sitter, you need do a couple of things before leaving your home.
Ask How She Is
This is not a matter of formality. There is more to asking a sitter how she is than just being polite. You should ask her this question as soon as she arrives to baby sit. This will actually help determine if your sitter is actually in the right mindset to work. She may have been through a terrible day or she may be tired after performing some of her usual daily tasks. In other words, she may not have the inclination or energy to look after your kids. Finding out about your sitters day tell you whether you can risk leaving your child with her.
Leave Emergency Numbers
Emergency numbers are imperative. Before you go out, be sure that your sitter has important numbers with her. You can display important numbers in a prominent place near the house like beside the telephone or on the fridge. These lists will serve as an easy and quick reference for your sitter should there be any emergencies.
Your sitter should also have your number aside from the emergency list. If possible, tell her too where you will be headed for the night. Even sitters who have advanced training in first aid may encounter situations that they may not be able to handle.
Give Child Discipline Instructions
Orient your babysitter or nanny what to do when the kids get rowdy. You need to take some time to educate your babysitter about how things are done in your home. This is especially true when it comes to disciplining your child. Do not forget that even if your sitter has her own kids, she may look at child discipline in a far different light than you do. Make sure your sitter understands completely how you want your kids to be handled.
Inform Sitter of Special Conditions
Of course, you will have to be extra meticulous if your child has special needs or has certain medical conditions. One of the most important one is allergies. Inform your sitter of your childs condition and what to do should the condition manifest itself. You should also prepare a list of food items that shouldnt be fed to your child. If there are any medications that should be taken, then inform your babysitter too.
Leave Your Sitter with Something to Munch On
It is a given that you are paying your babysitter. However, that does not put a cap on your generosity. Be gracious to your babysitter and offer her refreshments while she watches over your kids. You can also be extra generous and allow her some form of entertainment as soon as your kids are tucked into their beds.
Kids are not sale items you can easily deliver at booths if you need to go somewhere else without the extra baggage. Finding a babysitter is just half of the job done. If you truly want to make sure that your kids are safe and have a great time, then you should know what to do before you leave your house.
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