Are you planning to spend some time away from home?
If you have a child, you’ll have to find a babysitter. Babysitters can ensure things go smoothly while you’re away and even send you a daily report to keep you in the loop with how things are at home.
However, if you want your babysitter to make the most of their time spent with your child, you may want to create a babysitter checklist for them.
Here are four things you should consider before making your babysitter checklist.
1. Know Your Babysitter
Before you decide on a babysitter, you’ll likely be interviewing qualified candidates to see if they’d be a good match for your family. Don’t be afraid to ask potential babysitters about their previous experiences. For example, ask them if they’re good with helping children with homework or if they know how to swaddle a baby.
Knowing what your babysitter is capable of will also allow you to set realistic expectations and help you feel like your child will be safe and sound when you’re not there.
Once you know your babysitter’s capabilities better, you’ll be able to better prepare a checklist for them.
2. Plan Your Child’s Schedule
One of the best babysitting tips is to make a schedule for your child. For however long you’ll be gone, plan out your child’s routine accordingly. From practices to homework to bath time, knowing what is expected of your child will make your babysitter’s job easier and help ensure that your child stays on track.
If you have a clear idea of what you would like your child to accomplish while you’re away, it’ll be easier to include that in your checklist for your babysitter.
3. Prepare What Your Babysitter Will Need
As your babysitter gets used to your child, they may need some help. It’s a good idea to prepare your child’s favorite foods, games, and movies to ensure your child and their babysitter get along from the start! Your babysitter may have to cook meals, help your child do chores, or entertain your child, so make sure they have everything they’ll need and will know where to find it.
Once everything is ready, it’ll be easier to see what you want to mention to your babysitter in your checklist.
4. Consider Emergency Contacts
When leaving your child with a babysitter, it’s a good idea for your babysitter to have easy access to emergency numbers. Print a list of people your babysitter can call and put it somewhere noticeable like your refrigerator.
You should include yours and your partner’s numbers, but the contact information of trusted neighbors can be good in case of emergencies too. Be sure to include your home phone number and home address just in case.
Creating Your Babysitter Checklist
Whether you’re tied up at work or having date night with your partner, creating a babysitter checklist will ensure that things go smoothly at home and help ease your worries while you’re away.
Be sure to check back regularly for more parenting advice!
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