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Wait for the next opportunity to come along. Your Anxiety Loves Sugar. Find out the rules of the house and stick to them, even if you disagree. Ask parents specific and careful questions about their expectations and what they want from a babysitter. Whether it's your first time watching a child or you've been babysitting for years, here are 11 tips for how to be a good babysitter.
Helping your baby develop a relationship with her babysitter is a gift to her. She learns that her community is filled with loving people who will take good care of her.
Learn how to prepare your baby for their first time with a babysitter. How can we prepare her? If you can, have the sitter come over to visit for an hour or two before your evening out so she and your daughter can get to know each other in the safety of your presence.
It will also give you a chance to talk about how you care for your daughter, including the way she likes to be held and fed, what upsets her, and how to soothe her. When the sitter arrives, sit down with her and the baby for a few minutes and get involved in an activity, such as playing with toys or reading stories.
That way, when you leave, your daughter and the sitter will already be engaged in a an enjoyable activity. Say good-bye with a cheerful tone, smiles, and warm hugs. Helping your baby develop a relationship with her babysitter is a gift to her, since she learns that her community is filled with loving people who will take good care of her.
It is also a gift to you, since a night away from parenting is sometimes just what the doctor ordered! Tweet Week for Emotional Development: Tools for Our Network. What time do the kids eat? Do you read them stories?
Perhaps the babysitter should anticipate that little Susie might throw a fit whenever she is asked to brush her teeth Any information that makes the bedtime transition easier will be much appreciated by your babysitter! Before leaving the house, make your expectations clear.
If you are uncomfortable with a babysitter having a friend over after the kids go to bed, say so. The same goes for texting or checking their phone constantly -- establish clear guidelines.
Also clarify whether certain areas of the house are off limits and whether your children need to follow any rules about television or screen time. It's helpful to give your babysitter a brief tour of the home so they know where the exits are in case of an emergency. Also provide information about the location of important supplies, such as the first-aid kit, scissors, bandages and any over-the-counter medications you may occasionally administer to your children.
Preparation is critical to a positive babysitter experience, so arm your sitter with a babysitter info sheet to make sure everyone is happy and safe. Download ours today , and enjoy your kid-free night! Location of the exits and first aid supplies.