Taking Care of the Babysitter

There is no questioning the need for a good babysitter. This is the person who will be responsible for your children's well-being. But have you ever thought about the ways in which you treat this valuable asset? Are you taking care of your care taker?

Do your best to treat your babysitter as you would want to be treated. He or she will respond by treating your children in the same manner. Be open and honest about the amount you pay per hour and do not discuss these figures in front of the kids; you don't want them to know that the person watching them is being paid to do so. If you absolutely must cancel on your babysitter, give him or her as much notice as possible. Paying a cancellation fee if you wait until the last minute is recommended in order to remain on good terms.

One thing that should be discussed in front of the children is the time they go to bed. This will ensure that they do not push the babysitter for a later bedtime. House rules about smoking, drinking, phone calls, watching television and other controversial areas should be made clear from the start. There are few relationships in your life as important as this and remaining on the same page is a necessity at all times.

Always leave a contact number. Include contact information for friends and relatives. Show the babysitter where extra keys are hidden, along with medicines and other possibly essential items. All children have habits or routines that they need to complete before bed. Make the care taker away of these actions. Show him or her where the night lights are and demonstrate how widely open your children prefer their bedroom door.

Lastly, never leave a sick child with your babysitter. You'll worry all night, the child will cry and your care taker may be too ill to help out the following weekend.