I used to babysit quite a bit. Based on my experience, good and bad, here’s my ten things:
1) Please prepare a list of instructions such as the kids bedtimes, and when the baby has to eat before I come. That way when I come over all you have to do is review the list with me and show me where the kids are before you leave.
2) If you don’t want me to raid your cabinets and help myself to whatever I want, prepare some snacks, drinks and plastic cups for me on the table. It can be a fifty cent snack, but it makes me feel welcome and comfortable.
3) Prepare an extra pacifier, baby bottle and formula on the counter. It’s hard to rummage through drawers while holding the baby with one hand trying to keep the other kids from waking up.
4) When you called me to babysit your kids, I agreed to babysit your kids. Not your kids and the five month old baby your sister drops off. I also didn’t agree to watch the neighbors kids over a baby monitor, and go into their apartment to check on them every half hour.
5) Let your kids know before I come over that a babysitter will be coming, and she will be here for a few hours. When a kid wakes up and sees me without expecting it, it can be very difficult on both of us.
6) Please make sure I have a way home. I can’t always arrange a way home when I’m not exactly sure when you’re coming home. If you or your husband can’t drive, call a car service that’s trustworthy.
7) Please give me a call when you’re on the way home. It’s very awkward when you walk in and I’m in the bathroom or have my things scattered across the table.
8) If you told me that the kids will be sleeping, try to have them all in bed when I come. I might have agreed knowing I can still study for my final tomorrow. I understand you can’t force them to fall asleep, but please try your best.
9) If one of your kids is sick, or needs special care please let me know on the phone before I agree to come over. That way I prepare my schedule accordingly.
10) Please let me know what I may or may not use in your house. This includes computer, phone, books, and anything else. I have babysat for people where I had to bring my own phone because they paid per minute on their landline. I didn’t mind because I was warned in advance.
Overall, most parents were a pleasure to deal with. If you want to hear my nightmare stories… let me know. I babysat enough to have plenty.