When parents first entrust their children to the care of a babysitter, it can be a worrying experience. They wonder if the children and their home will be safe. Will they return home to find a disaster area? Will the children respect a new person in charge? Leaving children in someone else's care is a necessity for most parents whether for work reasons or merely to spend some time together as a couple. Two things will make the process less stressful: knowing how to find a good babysitter, and providing all the information and instruction they will need - without scaring them away!

One of the best ways to find a babysitter is through friends and relatives. If you let them know you are looking a babysitter, it is likely they will recommend a person they trust. Legally, you need a person who is 12 years old, however, it is advisable to choose someone 14 years or older. Another option is to find out if your local community center offers babysitting classes. These classes provide instruction on handling emergencies, changing diapers, how to keep the children entertained, etc. The instructor may be able to provide the names of a few good students. When you have chosen a candidate, invite them over to your home for an interview. Let your children meet them and see how they interact.

When a new babysitter arrives for work, show him or her around your home. Allow at least 15 minutes to give instructions and for the babysitter to ask questions. Also, remember that a babysitter can encounter a multitude of situations when you are away. Each child may have a different routine, television programs they are allowed to watch, food allergies, etc. The best way to avoid a difficult situation for both your babysitter and your children is to provide as much information beforehand as possible. You may want to keep the following lists for reference.

Information for your Babysitter

Food

Do you remember when you were young and you tried to test the limits of the babysitter? If you were like most children, you tried to make up some new house rules regarding bedtime and snack foods. Knowing how kids are (because we've all been there), you may want to give your babysitter guidelines regarding the following items:

Emergencies

The most important information you can provide relates to emergencies. Be sure to write down the following information for your babysitter.

1. Telephone number where you can be contacted
2. Telephone numbers of a few relatives and friends who live nearby and may be able to assist
3. The telephone numbers for the doctor, police and local hospital
4. The best route to take out of the home in an emergency
5. Location of a fire extinguisher
6. Location of the fuse box (you may want to show them the box and give them a quick instruction - most young people are not familiar with utilities)
7. Location of the first aid kit
8. Location of a flashlight (it is a good idea to put one beside the main phone)

Toys and Activities

Write out a list of what each child needs to do (e.g., homework or reading) as well as the activities and toys they can choose for themselves. You may want the babysitter to read to the children, play a game with them or simply keep a watchful eye on them as they play basketball. Depending on the age of the children, the babysitter may need to participate in certain activities.

Because children have different needs at each age, the following list can help your babysitter and your children have a positive experience:

1. Which games you would like the children to play
2. Whether older children are allowed to use the telephone
3. Games and activities you would like the babysitter to participate in with the children
4. Books for the babysitter to read to the children
5. Homework that needs to be done
6. Whether children are allowed to visit neighbouring friends (if so provide a list of names and addresses)
7. Whether friends are allowed to visit

Bedtime

Getting the children to bed is undoubtedly the most difficult aspect of babysitting. Let your babysitter know the routine and some of your best techniques.

1. What time lights are turned out
2. Whether bedroom doors are left open or closed
3. Whether they need to inspect the room for monsters
4. What to do if children wake up during the night
5. Whether nightlights should be left on

Health

Children can develop stomach problems and fevers very quickly so it is not uncommon for parents to discover a seemingly healthy child is feeling sick just hours later. Let your babysitter know about the following:

1. Recent illnesses
2. Allergies to food, medicine, bandages, etc.
3. Behaviour problem or medical condition

If a child is taking prescription medication that must be taken while you are gone, provide the babysitter with instructions on how to administer the medication and the possible reactions and interactions. You should also leave a dated and signed note authorizing your babysitter to administer a specific dosage of medication along with the instructions.

If it happens more than once that your children are feeling unwell when they are left with a babysitter, there are many possible reasons. The children may be upset to be left with a new person, in which case you should monitor how long this problem continues. They may be eating too much or the wrong foods, in which case ask the babysitter what the children have consumed. Another possibility is that the babysitter has been negligent in some way. Listen to your instincts.

By using these helpful hints, you are likely to find a responsible babysitter that will know what to do and how to care for your children properly. You can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that your children and your home are safe.