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Step 1
Be prepared. If you have some time to get ready before the event, here are a few things that may really help. Watch mom in action to see how she does things. Watch where special things, like the kids' favorite snacks, are stored. Know where pajamas and extra diapers and wipes are kept. Be familiar with mom’s rules regarding television, snacks, and bedtime. You may be there every night, but you may not take notice of these things.
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Step 2
Get instructions from mom. Make sure it includes every important detail such as dinner plans and bedtime routines. When is the next bottle do? Ask mom where things are if you didn’t get a chance to prepare ahead of time. Before she leaves, know who has just had their diaper changed and who may need one in the near future.
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Step 3
Have everything ready ahead of time. Make sure everything you need is in a place where you can find it and the kids won’t move it. Have a plan ready ahead of time, but be willing to be flexible
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Step 4
Have fun. Look at this as an opportunity to spend good time with your kids. Find out what your kids want to do and have fun doing it with them. It can be fun and even therapeutic to color again, play hide-and-go seek, or play with building blocks. Have them write down some ideas (or write it for them) of what they’d like to do. Put them in a hat and draw them out one at a time as the night goes on.
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Step 5
Command respect. Be nice, but don’t give in to the kids’ every demand or they will be pushing for extra stuff all night long. Don’t break the rules or they will be hard for mom to handle the next day and harder for you to watch next time.
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Step 6
Put the kids to bed on time. Don’t put them to bed early or late. After the kids are in bed is the time to watch what you want on television, not before. You will survive much better if you don’t just try to survive, but have fun. Have a good attitude.
