Babysitting "Need to Know"

For the Babysitter

Be on time or early if you haven't had a chance to see the house and meet the children
Make sure you have established clearly what the transport arrangements are to be, and whether you need to arrange transport to and from the babysitting job
When you first discuss your babysitting job establish how many children you will be looking after, and for how long
If you are not happy about any of the arrangements or expectations you can refuse the job, but its unfair to the parents to cancel at the last minute unless there is a genuine emergency
Before you agree to a babysitting job discuss the rate of pay. Check with your friends about the going rate and with your own parents about a fair one
Find out what time the parents are expecting to be home, so that your own family know when to expect you home. Ask the parents to call you if they get delayed

How to contact the parents, or who to call if they are not available, in the event of an emergency
Where the first aid kit is kept, and where you can find things such as clean clothes, nappies, and bedding
Bedtime routines ie. times for children to go to bed, what they can eat or drink, and whether you are expected to give them a bath
Rules about TV, electronic games, stereos etc

The age of your babysitter is recommended to be at least 14 years. It is illegal to leave children under 14 years without reasonable supervision
Try to arrange a meeting with a new babysitter before the first babysitting date so that they have a chance to familiarise themselves with the house and your routines, and to meet the children
Always leave emergency numbers by the phone: the number where you can be contacted, plus a doctor or relative or neighbour
Give instructions to your babysitter about the usual bedtime routine, including the time you expect your child or children to be in bed. Provide any special information about your children eg. medicine
Show your babysitter around those areas of the house they will need to be familiar with, and where they can find things such as clean clothes, nappies, and bedding
Leave out a drink and a snack for your babysitter (teenagers get hungry)