BABYSITTERS – HELPING YOUR CHILD (AND YOU!) PREPARE

Leaving your child with a babysitter is something every parent does at some point. At first, you might feel excited at the thought of a little time alone but also a little apprehensive at the thought of leaving your child with someone new. With the right preparation, though, you and your child should be able to enjoy a little time away from each other.

Some things to consider:

• Try and get a referral from someone you trust if you need a new babysitter. It would be very appropriate to interview a new babysitter before deciding if the “match” will work for you and your child.
• If this is a new babysitter, having him over to visit with your child once or twice while you are at home may ease nervousness for everyone.
• Many areas now offer babysitting courses. Especially if your babysitter is young, you might inquire if she has had any training.
• Make sure you leave emergency information, including phone numbers where you can be reached, phone numbers of a trusted neighbor or friend, doctor’s phone number, and address of your house (in case of emergency, your babysitter may not know this).
• If you will be gone during a meal, leave easily prepared food for both children and babysitter. You want your babysitter focused on your children, not cooking.
• If there are any specific directions or concerns (such as food allergies or bedtime rituals), write them down for the babysitter to refer to.
• Point out any potential problems you want the babysitter to be aware of (a pool which has a gate that must remain closed).
• Tell the babysitter if you want him/her to answer your door or phone. (Remember, if you will call to check on the children, tell your babysitter to answer the phone!)
• Make sure you clearly explain rules for your kids’ behavior. Can they have dessert? Can they watch TV? What time is bedtime? Make sure your kids are in the room when you provide this information, so that they are less likely to try and trick the babysitter.
• Assure your child that you will be home soon, and don’t drag out the good-bye. A drawn-out good-bye is harder on everyone.

Many parents find that their children learn to enjoy time with a trusted babysitter and benefit from the experience. Your child will also benefit when a more refreshed parent returns!

This list is just a starting point. For other ideas to consider, you might want to read:

• Babysitter Safety - What Parents and Sitters Need to Know has sections on choosing a sitter, what information to give the sitter, and tips for adolescents who already babysit or who are considering it.
• Because You Care….Prepare is provided by the American Red Cross. It contains downloadable forms for parents and babysitters to fill out--a great way to make sure your sitters get the information they need!
• In Search of a Super Sitter has suggestions for what to ask during interviews with prospective babysitters

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