10 Things Your Babysitter Wants You to Know
The Date Night Opportunity study published by the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia found that regular date nights add value to relationships by generating “higher levels of communication, physical satisfaction, and commitment” among couples. What’s the catch? Well, if you’re a parent… You first need to find and book a reliable babysitter.
As with any job, babysitting has changed over the years. And, sometimes, parents unknowingly make babysitting harder or less satisfying than it needs to be. So, Orlando Parenting reached out to our babysitter network to find out what sitters love and loathe about minding your little monsters… errr… angels.
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Related post: Orlando Resorts with Kids Night Out Programs
Babysitter Tips
1. BE READY
You made reservations and, if you had time, actually washed your hair and put on mascara. But your date night checklist is not finished. First, tell the kids how you expect them to behave while in the care of the babysitter. When the sitter arrives, act excited to help set a positive tone.
For babies/toddlers, show a photo of the sitter prior to arrival (perhaps even days in advance). If your child cries as you leave for date night, keep goodbyes short and know your cutie will calm down soon after your departure — regardless of how torturous it felt. Sort of like a daycare drop off, right? Second, you don’t need to deep clean, but do realize that you have someone in your home. Perhaps make sure toilets are not disgusting, lay out clean hand towels and stow personal items that you’d like to keep personal.
Lastly, take out cash so you can pay the babysitter at the end of the night. FYI, many babysitters also accept payment via PayPal, Venmo or Zelle. Be sure that you’ve already agreed on an hourly rate and how payment will be provided.
2. KIDS LIKE CONSISTENCY; SO DO SITTERS
It’s great to have a roster of trusted caretakers, but babysitters appreciate it when couples are consistent – especially since today’s hourly rate adds up to a nice chunk of change. While it’s wise to have back-up babysitters, your go-to team of sitters may like to hear from you about once a month.
If a sitter hasn’t heard from you in awhile, he/she/they may assume that you no longer need their caretaking services.
3. LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS SUCK
Just as you would be annoyed if the babysitter bailed (especially if you washed your hair), sitters also dislike last-minute cancellations.
They’ve planned for both the time and income. Of course, life comes with unexpected hiccups, including sick kiddos; but, if you cancel same-day, consider paying your sitter a portion of what you would have paid on date night. Kind of like a cancellation fee. Or, see if you can find them another gig with another family in trusted circle of friends. Otherwise, reschedule ASAP and offer a monetary bonus for that re-do date night.
4. SAME PAGE!
Your sitter can’t read your mind – unless he/she/they moonlights as a psychic. So if you’d like something done a particular way, communicate clearly. Get on the same page… like literally write down instructions.
Babysitter Emily T. tells us that including times for food/snack, TV and bed are most vital, in addition to any restrictions. And babysitter Jill S. also says she appreciates relevant updates, such as if there’s been a change in potty training or dietary preferences.
“Don’t make me depend on your oldest kid [for guidance] on the night,” says Jill S., who once sat for a family who had their eldest child show her the ropes. “I want to learn from the parents what the children are used to and what is supposed to happen that evening,” she explains on ensuring that everyone has a smooth night. You don’t want date night interrupted and, in turn, you want the kids and the sitter to feel comfortable.
Let your sitter know if you are strict or flexible with routines. “For example, if they want to play outside for longer that indicated that would mean less time watching a show. Just because ‘we always do this’ doesn’t mean you have to do it tonight,” explains babysitter Jill S.
Consider talking to your sitter about your expectations in regard to:
- How much is she on her personal cellphone in front of your kids
- Whether she can have a guest over (likely not)
- If you’re okay with her snapping pics of your kids (and possibly sharing them on social media). Babysitters in their late teens and 20s chronicle everything online so they might not think that having your children on their social media may make you uncomfortable.
5. DATE NIGHT DINING…
You’re eating out, and the kids are likely scarfing boxed mac-n-cheese, but what about the sitter? Agree on whether she will bring her own food, order in (likely at your expense), eat the same meal as the kids, or make do with whatever else is in the refrigerator. If you know she’s coming straight from school or another job, make her an extra plate. Treat her like family, and she will return the favor.
Parenting Pro-Tip: Consider bringing back a little treat from your date night as a thank you. Many of the Disney Springs Restaurants have great takeout packaging, making the little morsel you bring back an even nicer treat.
6. SITTER CO-PARENTING!?
Remember the rule of not contradicting your spouse in front of the kids? Well, embrace that same rule of thumb to present a united (adult) front with the babysitter (within reason).
If she handles a situation differently than how you would have, don’t criticize her actions in front of the children, as it could lessen their ability to respect her authority in your absence. Just have a calm conversation with direction on how to handle things differently for next time.
7. BE COURTEOUS
If you’re running late or want to extend your date night to go longer, check in with the babysitter ASAP. She may have plans to be elsewhere after sitting or simply want to be in her pajamas in her own cozy bed.
8. YOUR KID IS A KID
Your kid is a kid, so things happen. Odds are there have been incidents on your watch too when the baby just wouldn’t sleep or your toddler scraped his knee. Yes, it’s not great when things don’t go as planned under the babysitter’s supervision but remember that accidents and/or the unexpected happen to all of us. And blame doesn’t help.
9. TUNE IN – LITERALLY & FIGURATIVELY
“Parents can get to know their babysitter so that there is more to talk about than just the kids and the rules. When personal information is shared, I feel as though there is a connection that starts to develop,” says Emily T.; she adds, “I also think leaving WiFi passwords, demonstrating how to use the TV (or other appliances), and showing what’s in the fridge/pantry allows for more comfort.”
10. NO JUDGMENT
Perhaps date night has you a bit giggly.
“Parents book a babysitter so they can have an adult night out and, oftentimes, that includes adult beverages. Babysitters are here so parents can have a judgement-free night out without the kids,” says babysitter Andrea O. Parents should feel comfortable to enjoy themselves.
So, parents, go book the sitter!
