Beyond Leaving Your Cell Phone Number with the Babysitter

If you have a young child, it is always a relief to find a reliable babysitter and have a night on the town. Nevertheless, especially if you are using a teenager, you may be unhappy if you aren’t clear about your expectations. In addition, it is important to anticipate emergencies and
let your sitter know where you keep items that he might need.

1. If your child is very young, leave suggested activities for your babysitter or advise your babysitter of your child’s favorite games or toys. Leave them out for your babysitter’s convenience.

2. If you expect your babysitter to make a meal or serve a snack, be clear about what your child can eat, where the food is permitted, and your expectations about clean up.

3. Indicate what time your child needs to go to bed, and whether there is a specific bedtime routine that should be followed. Leave out an appropriate book and show your babysitter where your child’s room is located. If your child is accustomed to a particular stuffed animal or blanket, make sure that the item is accessible.

4. Alert your babysitter to any allergies your child may have.

5. Tell your babysitter whether your child may have friends over or go outside.

6. Leave alternative phone numbers for your babysitter in case you can’t be reached, preferably a neighbor or nearby relative who will be home.

7. Leave a flashlight out, or preferably one on each floor. Even if a thunderstorm is not expected, your home may lose electricity due to work being performed in the area or some other unforeseeable circumstance. In addition, if your sitter brings a cell phone, encourage him to keep it in a pocket or with him. Should you lose electricity, he will have access to a phone that works without scrabbling to find one in the dark.

8. Leave out a first aid kit. Minor scrapes and accidents can happen. Save your babysitter time so that he can handle the situation quickly and have the appropriate items at his fingertips.

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