How to Keep a Good Babysitter

You have finally found a good babysitter that gets along well with your kids. Here are a few ideas I have found through my own experiences as a babysitter as well as hiring babysitters to keep them coming back time and time again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Next time you go out, keep these things in mind:
• plenty of food
• plenty of snacks
• plenty of activities, TV and books
• documented rules and instructions
• emergency contact numbers
• agreement on pay

1. 

   Make sure you have some sort of agreement on payments. Ask them what they charge per hour, and negotiate if needed. Ask them their preferences on whether they only want cash or if they will take checks. Ask if they would like to get paid after each session or on a monthly basis.

2. 

   Depending on what time of day or night you will be gone, make sure that you provide enough food for your kids and the sitter. Whether you have them make something simple like spaghetti or order pizza, keep their appetite in mind. After all, they need the fuel to keep up with your kids! Keep snacks around for them to munch on and plenty of beverages. Keep these in plain view so your sitter doesn't need to hunt.

3. 

   Keep plenty of activities and books around for both the kids and the sitter. Set aside special crafts and projects for when the sitter comes. This will make the kids look forward to the sitter coming. After the kids go to bed, your sitter will need something to do. Keep books and magazines out for him or her to read. Let them know they can watch TV, and show them how to use the remote if they are not used to your programming. Maybe they want to bring their laptop to do homework or iPod to listen to their favorite music. If this is okay with you let them know as long as the children are safe. If it gets late, let them know they can fall asleep on the couch.

4. 

   After you go over the house rules and instructions, make sure you write them down so the sitter can be sure to refer back to it if needed. Post the bedtime, acceptable snacks, allergies, whether or not the kids can have friends over and so on. Again, make sure you let the sitter know what you allow from them, as in cell phone use and having friends over. Instruct them right away if these are not acceptable to avoid possible conflicts.

5. 

   Write all emergency contact numbers down. Include your cell phone or the number of the place where you will be, your neighbors, the grandparents or any other people that know your children well, and in case the sitter is not able to get a hold of you, can call these people for help. Let them know if it is okay for them to use the phone or if they should answer if someone should call.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick to the payment agreed upon
• Remember your sitter on their birthday and other special occasions, send a card or get them a small token of appreciation.
• Let your sitter know approximately what time you will be home, or call as soon as you know
• Make arrangements to take the sitter home if not in easy walking distance, especially at night
• Do not drink and drive
• Let the sitter know if your children have any allergies and what to do in the event of a reaction

Resources

• How to keep toys from taking over the house
• How to use and stick to a chore chart
• How to make memories for kids

[edieness]

on 6/25/2009 Well thought out and well written article on how to keep a sitter. 5

[lifeengineer]

on 3/9/2009 Good ideas. It is always a challenge with 4 kids.

[goodselfme]

on 3/6/2009 good rules to keep a suitable babysitter. Well composed article.

[sillybachi]

on 3/5/2009 Hmmm some good tips to keep in mind. Thanks!

[Gracie1402]

on 3/5/2009 ...and make sure your kids are on their best behavior! I always tell my sitters they can call me if the kids will not listen and that always gives them the assurance they will not be stuck with naughty kids all night :)