Getting a stranger to take care of your children is not one of your favorite things. However, there are times that this might seem convenient. If you are worried that you have to prepare a lot of things, here are some ideas to make you feel better.
The first thing that you have to do is check the baby sitter’s references. If it is someone you know, like your sister or cousin, you probably feel better. If you have to hire someone, you better make sure you get references. After all this is settled, you need to show how your house works. By that we mean literally how the house works! Show the baby sitter how to lock and unlock the doors, show her the fire escape or any back doors you might have and make sure you show the alarm system if you are going to use it. Show her the emergency kit and pharmacy kit if the children fall when playing. Show the place you keep the flashlights and the matches.
Now that you have covered the emergencies, you should move to the special needs of your children. If the babysitter is taking care of an infant, make sure you go over everything your baby needs. Explain how many times she will feed the baby, how she is going to change it, if she is allowed to give the baby a bath and make sure you answer all the questions she has as well. If your children are older, discuss certain rules like bed time, television programs, snacks and food preparation. Make sure the babysitter knows where to find the things that might be necessary. You should also tell her if your children are allergic to something or if they are on medication.
Another thing you should know is that if your children are very young, they might feel anxious about having a stranger on the house. The best thing to do is to leave an activity schedule that they should all follow. This has two advantages. First the children stick to their routine and feel comfortable and safe knowing that they will do what they do every evening and have someone watch over them until you return. Second you are also aware of what is going on and so chances of playing a dangerous game or being bored and start to fight are limited.
The last thing to take care of is to set some ground rules for the baby sitter. Tell her if she is allowed to talk on the phone, to have visitors or watch television. Tell her if she is allowed to smoke inside the house. Explain that she will not take the children out for any reason and don’t leave things to chance. Make it clear that you might be out of the house, but you will know everything that goes on.
Nancy Newell writes for My Baby Bedding Shop. She also is a caring parent for 2 grown children. She loves to write tips and guidelines for new parents and would like for you to check out her Baby Crib Bedding Sets. She also would like for you to take a peek at her Luxury Baby Bedding while your on the website.
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