As a busy parent living far from family, my husband and I count on a few trusted babysitters for our rare nights out. Thankfully, most of our experiences have been positive, with sitters who genuinely enjoy spending time with our kids. However, there was that one time when a sitter accidentally locked herself out while our little one was asleep, opting to sit in the backyard rather than calling us. It was a reminder that parents shouldn’t assume babysitters will always use common sense. It’s crucial to clearly communicate household rules and expectations to avoid misunderstandings.
Recently, a friend shared a story about her teenage son who faced a dilemma while babysitting. The children he was looking after were using foul language, and he was unsure whether to discipline them, ignore it, or inform the parents. This situation reinforced my belief that babysitters should be well-informed about household norms, from discipline strategies to emergency protocols.
Here are ten key points every babysitter should be aware of:
- Location of Spare Key
I always make sure to inform my babysitters where to find our spare key (and no, I won’t share it here!). This way, if they need to step outside, they won’t be stuck waiting in the yard while the kids are inside. - Food Guidelines
I encourage our sitters to help themselves to snacks in the kitchen. I understand that every household has its own food rules, so it’s essential to clarify these beforehand to avoid any confusion. - Discipline Expectations
In the past, I’ve had sitters who were either too strict or too lenient. Now, I explain our approach to discipline clearly—no spanking, but time-outs are acceptable. - Bedtime Routines
Every parent has their ideal bedtime, but reality can differ. I provide a realistic timeframe for getting the kids to bed and emphasize that this is a priority, regardless of the kids’ protests. - Meal Plans
My children can be quite persuasive when it comes to snacks. I always let the sitter know if dinner has been served and whether dessert is on the table. Otherwise, we could end up with hyperactive kids bouncing off the walls! - Emergency Protocols
I advise my sitters, “In case of an emergency, call 911 first, then contact me.” It’s vital to have a plan in place, especially for potential crises like earthquakes in our area. - Screen Time Rules
While I prefer my kids to engage with the sitter rather than be glued to a screen, I do acknowledge that a little TV time can be okay before bed. I make sure the sitter understands our guidelines. - Cleaning Expectations
Although I don’t expect the sitter to clean extensively, I do ask that they tidy up the kitchen after the kids are asleep. It’s important to clarify what you expect, or you might come home to a chaotic mess. - Medical Information
While it’s unlikely, emergencies can happen. I always provide the sitter with our pediatrician’s contact information and a copy of our medical insurance details, just in case. - Phone Use Policy
I prefer sitters to focus on the kids until they’re in bed. Once the kids are asleep, they can feel free to use their phones. This ensures that the babysitter is present and engaged during their time with the children.
These tips are a simple way to ensure a smooth babysitting experience. And once you’ve got all this sorted out, the next step is figuring out the right compensation for your sitter.
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In summary, clear communication with your babysitter about rules, expectations, and emergency protocols is critical for a successful evening away from home.