Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Babysitter Basics


With Halloween over, we're about to be thrust into the holiday season and with that, impending parties and get-togethers. Today, I have a few babysitter tips and links to some checklists.


It's a good idea to ask a new babysitter to come early so that she can get acquainted with your children and your home. Your babysitter will appreciate knowing where to find everything she might need for the children. Discuss your house rules and expectations as you go. In the kitchen you can go over what the she and children are allowed to eat and where. Don’t forget to explain the TV, computer, and phone rules. If you allow your babysitter to have a visitor, discuss your expectations that any visitor respect your house rules.



Posting a checklist for the babysitter may give you some peace of mind. Here are a few helpful links:





Checklist #5 
(my favourite!)

Call home at least once while you are away to check on things and always call if you are going to be late. Make arrangements to escort your babysitter home at night - do not allow him/her to go home alone. 


How much to pay the babysitter depends on a lot of factors - from where you live, to how old the babysitter is, and how many children need to be looked after. Your babysitter may also set her own rates, or her references could help you get a picture of what you should be offering. How much do you pay your babysitter?










1 comment:

  1. I paid my 17 year old babysitter $20 for 3 hours. I have no idea what the rate is now, she didn't either. I remember when I hoped for $3 an hour but often received less.

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