At some point, all parents would like a little adult time away from the house. Finding the best babysitter for your child can be a bit tricky, but you can do it. Here are things that every parent should do prior to their time away from the house.
Adequate Awareness and Training is Key
In order to hire the best person for the coveted position of babysitter for your child, you have to know they are trustworthy. Performing background checks, calling professional references, and verifying employment history are all necessary steps to take. In today’s well-connected world, all the information you need is just a click or phone call away, so there is no reason not to check this person out.
Other factors to consider are whether or not they know CPR, the basics of good child care, how to prevent choking, proper sanitation and hygiene practices, and how to handle emergencies that are weather or fire related. You want to select the person who is best prepared for any challenges that may arise in your absence. Also read: Sittercity reviews should you use this service?
Do Not Set Them Up To Disappoint You
Many parents have found it a wise idea to invite the sitter over for a little while prior to the actual job. This gives you a chance to see interactions between your child and the sitter. If your child is terrified of this sitter, chances are they are not a wise choice, and you will need to keep looking.
This initial visit lays important groundwork for a job that may last several hours. It also allows them to ask questions about your parenting style and how you prefer to handle both good and bad behaviors. Since all children need structure, this visit also helps them to begin learning the child’s daily and nightly routine to help them remain consistent.
One often-overlooked factor is pets. If you know that your family pet barks incessantly at strangers or suffers from separation anxiety in your absence, the sitter will need to know this too. The opportunity to meet family pets can save many headaches later. Ensure that the sitter knows the animal’s care and feeding routines as well. Also read: Use a Sittercity promo offer code and save
Accidents Do Happen
No parent wants to consider that something might happen in their absence. It is vital to the safety of your little one and your home that you take the time to inform your babysitter of some key information. The few extra minutes of your time will be a wise choice and prevent any future misunderstanding or chaos.
- Show them the location of first aid and medical supplies; particularly important if your child takes medication for asthma or other health issues
- Make sure you have at least TWO copies of important numbers to call. Post one by the house phone and place the other one in your babysitter’s hands. Everyone knows 911, but they may not know how to contact the local poison control center, the child’s pediatrician, the family doctor, and you. If possible, include any close family or friends that might be available in the event you or one of the other primary contacts cannot be reached.
- All sitters need to be educated about any food and drug allergies your child might have. You do not want the sitter to give something harmful to your child.
- Show them where to find flashlights, fire extinguishers, and point out the locations of exits from the home.
Ask the sitter to come over at least 30 minutes prior to any sitting job, and be prepared to pay them for this time. These few minutes give you the chance to review pertinent information with them. All of these steps will make for a much better working relationship between you and your sitter.
It really is a wise idea to invite the sitter over before her actual duty begins. It’s a good way to break the ice. My kids can feel comfortable and the babysitter can feel right at home.
It’s vital that the babysitter is aware of my parenting style. This way, she doesn’t confuse my child.
It’s important to hire a babysitter that knows First Aid and CPR. These are actually basic skills in caring for a child. It’s but right that babysitters are certified to perform them.
FYI. The certification for First Aid expires. It’s a must to check the validity of the babysitter’s certification.
I think inviting the babysitter over (a few days before she actually starts her job) to introduce to the kids is a good idea. I never thought of that until I read your article. Thanks for that.
It’s very important to have a briefing and a debriefing with the sitter. It’ll help them do the right thing.
You got some practical tips here. Thanks for sharing.