I've always had grandparents babysit for my 10 and 7 year old. However due to illness, they can't babysit anymore.
I have 2 sisters coming on Saturday night. I don't know them personally but have met and interviewed them and they come highly recommended by a friend.
Thing is, as I've never had a 'proper' babysitter before. How do I make them welcome ? What do you do ? Do you provide snacks / treats ? Obviously I'll have drinks for them should they want them.
Sounds daft, but I'm unsure. Thanks.
2007-11-22 06:42:49 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Make sure they know the kids names and the kids know theirs. Its always scary for a child if they don't even know the sitters names. It is fun to let your children give them a tour of the house. Its a good bonding thing to let the children show of their rooms or toys. As for food, well chocolate is always great, but if you don't have it, that's okay too. Just show them the fridge and tell them what is okay to eat and what is off limits, both for them and the children. Your kids should be fine and if they are experienced sitters, everything should go pretty smoothly.
2007-11-22 08:21:27 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other answers you've been given are very good (with one exception...I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about).
Have you considered having the babysitters come over for a short time on Friday in order to show them where everything is and to introduce them to your children? I think you will all be more comfortable on Saturday if you do that first.
2007-11-22 16:01:55 · answer #2 · answered by aloha.girl59 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im sure they wont expect snacks, but it could be nice to leave them out a muffin each or somehting similar
Be sure to tell them when the children go to bed, if they get a story etc aswell as what time you will be back
give them your mobile number 'just in case'
I babysit and some people leave stuff out, others say to 'help yourself' and some just dont mention it
dont worry about it - they wont mind whatever you do!
Im sure you'll be fine!
2007-11-22 15:17:57 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Snacks and drinks are good, but more important is that you communicate to them the basics of your household. For sure make them feel welcome, be friendly, tell them to help themselves to the food, but also go over specific rules (tv, computer, sweets, that sort of thing), make sure you give them important phone numbers (yours, medical, etc.). Because your kids are older you don't have to show them so much or go over routine like you would if they were little children, but it's still reassuring and helpful to the babysitter if you give them the phone numbers and knowledge they need for a safe, good evening. Hope this helps! :)
2007-11-22 14:52:36 · answer #4 · answered by twasbrillig 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Introduce them to the children, show them where everything is for the children, and in the rest of the house (where the bathroom is etc). Explain what time the children should go to bed and what their rountine is. Show them how to work the TV, where the drinks are, and explain what is expected of them, how to contact you, and what time you will be home.
I don;t think they will expect more than that, and they are unlikely to plough into any treats you provide as they might feel embarrassed to.
2007-11-22 14:49:50 · answer #5 · answered by Ricecakes 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Just be friendly, say help yourselves to snacks/juice. Make sure your clear about the childrens bedtime and what they are allowed to do (most kids will try it on while mum and dad are out) and give them an emergency number. I'm sure they won't expect a buffet but if there are biscuits/crisps about make sure they know they can help theirselves. (they probably won't!)
2007-11-22 15:58:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure you leave contact numbers and tell them about any allergies
why don't you let one or both of the kids give them the 'grand tour' so that they bond a lil bit before you leave
i suggest either leaving something out or telling them to help themselves but tell them what the kids are allowed
feed the kids before they come and show them any thing else they'll need to know
2007-11-22 17:02:41 · answer #7 · answered by *Issie* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring them in and then give them the tour and show them the ropes. After that let them know where the food is etc. and let them know they can eat it. Then say goodnight and make sure they have your number(s) and leave. DO not go back or ring staright away cause they'll think you don't trust them.
2007-11-22 16:01:28 · answer #8 · answered by Ciara 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i was a baby sitter the parents always stocked the fridge up with treats and said help yourself. They also said there was a pizza in the freezer if i was hungry and there was usually coke and juice around.
It doesn't sound daft because why would you know if you've never done it before?
2007-11-22 14:48:07 · answer #9 · answered by gilly g 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I am a babysitter and just act laid back and relaxed. As for snacks and drinks just say "help yourself to whatever you want"
2007-11-22 15:31:36 · answer #10 · answered by no one 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋