#super sitter

This may be your first time using a sitter or possibly your 500th time. But sometimes even the most experienced parents don't remember the basics.

Leave all the information: A notepad to the fridge is great for this! Be sure to write down your number, the house address, emergency contacts, when you will be home, and any expectations you have while you are gone (ex: chores, no television, snacks, activites, etc)

Communicate: talk to the sitter before running out. Is it important to your or the sitter to be texting updates throughout the day?  Be sure to communicate the TIME you will be home and be sure to recognize whether or not the sitter has flexibility.

Prepare: Sitters are experienced in entering a new home and finding something to do.  Don't make this difficult.  Provide activities that the sitter can do with the child (here are the blocks! and here is some coloring. Legos are over there. You can play videogames for 30 minutes. If you want to go outside, here is the key, etc). Preparing the meals ahead of time is also a plus although not necessary. Don't expect the sitter to walk in and be able to cook something out of scratch however.

Comfort: The sitter would like to feel comfortable in your home. Provide the wifi password for when the children are asleep and be sure to teach the sitter how to use the TV. Always specify what food is available to be eaten by the sitter: is it all or none? (a big plus is when the parent specifically says 'there is ice cream in the freezer" *winkwink*) Although not required, it is also nice for sitters to have a blanket on the couch for when the kids are in bed and the sitter is watching tv or using their computer. No one likes cold feet. 

Important rooms: point out the most important rooms in the house as well as the offlimits rooms (ex: here is the kitchen with microwave and fridge, here is the bathroom, here are the kids rooms, here is the playroom, here is the parents room OFF LIMITS, here is the family room OFFLIMITS) 

Other questions you, as a parent, may ask yourself:

What am I comfortable with the sitter doing once the kids are in bed (watch tv, talk on the phone, nap, play video games, do nothing)?

How often should the sitter check on the children at night?

During the day, how many snacks can my child have?

What has happpened lately that may change my child's behavior?

Is there an animal in the house that may be new to the sitter?

In essence, COMMUNICATE.

Gratefully,