10 things Tuesday

Babysitters part 2

1. When looking for a babysitter, don't go towards the desperate ones. The ones that are just "looking to make money." I can pretty much guarantee your child will have a lousy time and things might not be done the way you would like.

2. Look for someone recommended from a church or home school co-op of some kind. Not to brag on home school or anything but typically (this is not all) come from larger families with children ranging all ages. We can adapt well with any aged child quickly.

3. Don't be inhibited to ask if we know how to do things. I started out with no babysitting experience other than siblings and close friends for an hour or 2. Changing diapers isn't the only thing you need to worry about the baby sitter knowing. How to cut food or prepare a bottle are surprisingly small tasks that most teens don't know how to do.

4. Be interested in us. Don't be afraid to ask just because we're watching your kids. You might have a better idea as to why a night might not have been 100% if you know we are dealing with something.

5. Leave phone numbers in a clearly marked area with ways of contact; texting, paging, calling, etc. Keep your phones near you. If we need to get in touch with you, we need you to hear it.

6. Give me a clear plan of discipline. The night will go much better if I have rules to uphold. Don't think just because there was a rough moment with little Timmy that I don't like him. Kids are human too and sinning happens with humans. Tell me how you would like for me to handle it.

7. Make sure I know what videos a kid is allowed to watch. I can't tell you how many movies kids have watched because they said their parents let them. Make sure they are clearly marked and if there are scenes that need to be skipped. I don't mind, I just need to know!

8. If we don't have a license and the dad has to take us home please have a child in the car as well. It makes it a little less awkward and plus it makes it more appropriate.

9. If we do drive ourselves, don't keep the amount the same. You're paying for the whole package, including the fact that you don't have to pick us up. Take the into consideration. You too have been at the pump lately.

10. Don't think you can skip on how much you pay us. We know what we can get. Typically we work for the families we like to work for, not necessarily because they pay alot. That doesn't mean you can pay us smaller because of it.