How to Train a Babysitter

All parents hope to find someone trustworthy to care for their children.

Babysitters come with many different levels of experience. Some are beginners who have no idea what to expect when dealing with children. Many already have enough information and experience to be able to handle your children and make logical decisions on their own. But even with experienced babysitters, you still need to lay out clear directions for many areas of their duties. All families are different, so babysitters need help becoming attuned to the needs of your family.

Things You'll Need

• Children's meals
• List of emergency numbers (fire, hospital, poison control)
• Contact information for pediatrician
• Landline telephone
• Comfort items

Instructions

1. Walk the babysitter through the house, showing her the kids' bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and any other rooms that she will be using with the children.

2. Point out any off-limits or dangerous areas, such as an attic or staircase, and any precautions taken to avoid danger, such as baby gates.

3. Write down detailed instructions for the day or evening, including mealtimes, nap times, bath time and bedtime. Also include any special instructions concerning your children, such as food allergies or prescription medications.

4. Show the babysitter what the children will eat, treats they are allowed to have and also what they are not allowed to have. Have the children's meals partially prepared beforehand, if possible.

5. Explain any particular discipline the babysitter should use in case the child misbehaves. For instance, some parents use timeouts or the removal of TV privileges.

6. Communicate important bedtime rituals with the babysitter, like reading stories, singing songs, or a special comfort item needed for sleep, like a blanket or stuffed animal.

7. Give your babysitter a list of emergency phone numbers and numbers where you can be reached while you are out. Most likely, he will call or text your cell phone, but you should also leave the number of the restaurant, theater or other location where you will be.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the house even if your child is crying. The quicker the separation occurs, the easier it will be on your child and the babysitter. Prolonging goodbyes will only confuse your child and make her cry more.

• If you feel uncertain about your babysitter's comfort level, you can always call him to check in and ask how he is doing and how the kids are. This often provides a great relief for worried parents.

• Always do a background check of people you allow in your home -- especially those you leave alone with your children. You can request fingerprinting, CPR/first aid certification and whatever else makes you comfortable, but know that not all babysitters will comply with these requests.

• Make sure that dangerous chemicals and medications are put away, especially if you have babies and toddlers.

• Consider having the new babysitter over while you are home to spend some time with your kids and so you can get a sense of her maturity level and the areas in which she may need support.

References

• Kids Health: Babysitting Basics
• Babysitting World: What to Look for in a Babysitter and Where to Find One

Resources

• American Red Cross: Red Cross Helps to Prepare and Train Babysitters