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In the small family setup of the modern time, mothers are left with little choice but to take help from babysitters when they are away. Though many mothers move in the direction of ‘no romance’ to avoid this situation, it is not good for their marriage. There is no harm in hiring a babysitter to look after your kids while you two spend some time together, provided the background of the sitter is verified. Also a a few ground rules can go a long way. Despite that, there may be confusions and the result could be a messed up house and baby. It is best that you discuss a few things in advance with your babysitter before you leave your little one with her. It will only increase her efficiency and will help her care for your baby in a better way. Have a look at the list and hire someone to spare you a few hours to enjoy marital bliss!
Spare Key
If you know your babysitter well or at least have got her background checked, you could share with her where the spare keys to your house are. This will help her in times when she is left outside a locked with the baby inside, ALONE! Yes such accidents happen and a spare key hidden outside the house will save you and the babysitter a lot of trouble!
Food For Babysitter
Whether or not snacks are on offer for her in your absence, mention it to her so that she doesn't stay hungry. All the households are different and they follow different food rules. Make sure your sitter knows them well in advance so that she comes prepared!
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Disciplining Rules
Every parent has a different way to discipline their kid and it is best to let your sitter know about your techniques. Not only will it help the sitter through times when the kids are being naughty but will also help kids relate with her more. When kids feel similar behavior from a new person, it becomes easy for them to accept her!
Bed Time
If you are going for a night out with your spouse make sure to let your sitter know the bedtime rules. If you are very strict about your kid’s bed time schedule, point it out to the sitter and give her the time when you want your kids to be in bed. Since she might not be able to run the schedule as smoothly as you would, a bit of relaxation with time limits will help her!
Feeding Hours
It is good to let your sitter know if your kids have had their meal or not when you leave them with her. She will come out to be more helpful when she knows when and what is to be fed to your kids. Also if you have any rules regarding sweets, mention that as well so that your kids don’t have their mouths full of candies when you get back!
Also read : 5 Interesting Ways To Potty Train Your Baby
Emergency Plan
Every family has their own emergency plan and it is good to let your sitter know about it. Not that we are expecting an emergency in your absence but its good to be prepared in advance for the worst. So prep her up with the numbers she could contact, the do’s and don’ts and that she should think of contacting the firemen first if fire breaks out instead of trying your number!
TV Time
You don’t want your kids to spend the entire evening glued to the idiot box. You’d probably want your sitter to play with your kids because that’s a healthier option! Make sure you let the sitter know about the TV time that is allowed to your kids and what could rather be done for entertainment that watching cartoon!
Expectations
When you are going out with your spouse at night and have strict bedtime rules, chances are that the sitter will have a couple of hours free before you get back. Mention clearly to her, how you want those hours to be utilized. Whether or not you want her to do the laundry, cleaning, organizing stuff so that you are not disappointed with their work. Lay down your expectations of her, well in advance!
Medical Information
Though the chances of any medical emergency are slim, they are not zero. So make sure your sitter knows of the doctor she needs to summon in case of an emergency. Share with her the contact details and any medicines that your kid is already taking. Also if your kid has any allergies, it is best to inform the sitter about it so that she does not feed him anything wrong!
Using Phone
Whether or not the sitter is allowed the use of phone in your absence has to be told well in advance. You won’t want your kids to be left unattended because the sitter is busy gossiping. It is best to tell her that she could use her phone when the kids are asleep, excluding emergencies. That way your kids will also be safe and the sitter will also have time to answer her calls.
Once you have made the rule list, look out for a babysitter and take time off to be a couple sometime! And yes, don’t forget to pay the sitter as per the services you are acquiring!
