As my partner and I navigate life without nearby family, we depend on a handful of reliable babysitters to look after our kids during our occasional date nights. Thankfully, most of our sitters have been fantastic, genuinely enjoying their time with our little ones.
However, we did have one memorable experience with a sitter who got locked out while our son was asleep inside and thought it was a smart idea to chill in the backyard instead of calling us. Thankfully, everything was fine inside, but it became clear that not all babysitters have the same level of common sense. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to communicate household rules and expectations to their sitters.
Recently, a friend of mine, Jessica, shared a story about her teenage son, who found himself in a babysitting pickle. The kids he was watching were dropping curse words left and right, and he was unsure whether to discipline them, let it slide, or inform the parents. This made me realize that babysitters need clear guidance, from discipline methods to emergency protocols.
Here are ten important things every babysitter should be informed about:
- That’s Not Just a Rock; It’s a Spare Key.
I always let my babysitters know where our spare key is located (and no, I’m not sharing it here). This way, if they need to step outside for something and accidentally get locked out, they won’t be stuck in the yard while chaos reigns inside. - Is it Okay to Snack?
Our babysitters are free to munch on whatever they find in the kitchen. Sure, I sometimes feel like I’m feeding an army, but I’d rather they snack than be starving. Just make sure your sitter understands any food restrictions you may have. - What’s the Discipline Game Plan?
I’ve had sitters who were either too strict or too lenient. Now, I clearly outline our discipline approach—time-outs are fine, but spanking is off the table. - What’s the Realistic Bedtime?
Every parent has that ideal bedtime, but let’s face it—there’s the actual time kids are tucked in. I give my sitters a realistic bedtime and stress that it’s non-negotiable, no matter what the kids say. - Feeding Schedule Insight.
My kids can charm a babysitter into bending meal rules. I always inform the sitter about dinner plans and whether dessert is an option—because nobody wants a house full of hyper children when they return! - Emergency Protocols Are Key.
I tell my sitters, “Call 911 first, then call me.” It’s crucial to have a plan for worst-case scenarios (like earthquakes in our area). Make sure your sitter knows what to do in an emergency. - Screen Time Guidelines.
I’d prefer my kids to engage with the sitter rather than binge-watch TV. So, I explain our screen time rules to new sitters to prevent my kids from turning into couch potatoes all night. - Cleaning Expectations.
While I don’t expect my sitter to scrub the floors, I do ask them to tidy up the kitchen. Make your cleaning expectations clear; otherwise, you might come home to chaos instead of a peaceful abode. - Share Important Medical Info.
While it’s unlikely a sitter will need to call the pediatrician, it’s better to be prepared. I make sure they have the pediatrician’s number and a copy of our medical insurance info. - Phone Usage Policy.
Personally, I’d appreciate it if the sitter focused on the kids until they’re fast asleep. I let them know it’s okay to use their phone once the kids are tucked in for the night.
This all seems pretty straightforward, right? Just don’t forget to figure out the right pay for their services.
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In summary, clear communication with your babysitter can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth evening away from home. From understanding household rules to knowing how to handle emergencies, sharing these key points can prevent crises and keep everyone safe and sound.