The All Important Babysitter Checklist

Would it not have been wonderful if someone handed you a checklist of everything you needed to know they day your first child was born? There are only so many guide and how-to books you can read about childcare before every one of them starts to sound the same. However, no matter how many hints and tips you have gathered about child-rearing before you have children, you will still be wondering what in the world is going on half the time. Unfortunately, these guidebooks do not share the secrets that are in your particular child's mind so you need to use what you do know, as well as do some guess work, in order to figure out his wants and needs.

Most parents, no matter how prepared they were beforehand, always end up learning most of what they know on the job.  When it comes to the new sitter in job, however, you cannot expect her to "learn on the job." Since she will be in charge of your children for only a few hours, you need to bring her up to speed completely before you leave. This reason is why a babysitter checklist is so important!

On the day that babysitter comes to sit for you the first time, you should invite her over at least thirty minutes before you plan to leave in order to give her a tour of the house and to introduce her to your children. Before she even arrives, however, you need to put together the babysitter checklist and go over everything with her before you leave for the night.  This sheet of paper is incredibly helpful should anything happen while you are gone.

This babysitter checklist needs to have your name, the address, and the phone number of the house at the top. Additionally, you should list emergency contact information and a number at which she can reach you should she need to for any reason. The second section needs to have the names of your children, their ages, any allergies and other medical information, and their likes and dislikes.  In all likelihood, she will not need to reference this checklist but it is much better to be safe than sorry!

If you want to know more about how to put together a babysitter checklist, check out ebabysitters.com!