Now that it’s summer, teenagers nationwide will be looking for employment. It’s no secret that babysitting is the best gig any teenager can get for a summertime job: we get to play with cute kids and we get paid cash to do it—double win!
But, starting a sitter job for the first time ever or with a new family can be a little overwhelming, especially when the parents are eager to have their few hours of freedom and are practically out the front door before we’re even inside! While parents try to do their best to give the most important information to sitters before they leave, there are still a few questions and concerns sitters develop as the night goes on. Here are ten things all babysitters wish they knew from parents:
1. Babysitting shifts typically begin right around prime dinner time, so should I eat before I come or can I eat with your kids? I would never want to intrude or overstep my boundaries, but sitters have to eat too! And if I’m making the kids dinner, where exactly can I locate utensils, pots, and various kitchenware items? I want your children to have happy tummies fast, and not have to wait for me to find the utensils drawer!
2. Before you leave, I wish you would tell your kids that I’m the authority figure. That way, they’ll know that I’ll have fun with them, but to also listen to me.
3. After dinner, what kind of snacks are they allowed to have and how much? Children have quite the sweet teeth and will do anything to try and manipulate the sitter into thinking they can have candy after dinner!
4. I wish I knew whether or not you’d like me to clean up around the house before you come. I would never want to leave a mess, so should I put the dishes in the dishwasher or wash and put them away? Should I clean the kids’ rooms before bedtime? I want to be as proactive as possible!
5. What shows are they allowed to watch? While kids’ channels like Disney and Nickelodeon have family-friendly content, all families differ and I would never want to put a show or movie on that the children aren’t allowed to watch!
6. I also wish I knew their specific bedtime routine. Are there certain lights to leave on? Do I leave the doors open? Tuck them in and read a story? Once the children are in bed, I want them to fall asleep safe and sound, not afraid of the dark! Knowing how they like their room set up would definitely help sitters to make the children comfortable going to sleep without their parents home.
7. I know it’s rare when you get to have a night to yourselves—you deserve it after working hard all week! But, if you will be home later than you expected, I would be grateful for a quick text saying so. That way, I can tell my mom what time I will be home. This will also help babysitters who can’t drive to let their parents know what time they should be picked up.
8. And if it’s a late night, I will try my best to stay awake and be alert…but sometimes, sleepiness just becomes too strong and I end up accidentally falling asleep on the couch. I wish I knew whether or not I would be in trouble for this; I would never intentionally take a nap while watching your kids! If accidental napping is out of the question can I use your Keurig for a caffeine boost?
9. The classic question every parent asks upon coming back home is, “How were the kids? Were they good for you?” Nine out of ten times, the answer is yes; however, there are few instances when the children decided to be extra naughty for the babysitter. I wish I knew whether I could be honest in order to have an even greater babysitting session next time, or whether I should always say yes to avoid offending the parents.
10. Finally, an overall written list of everything you would want me to know as the temporary caretaker of your child would be extremely helpful when I need to reference how much medication to distribute when needed or any of the above information. As much as I would like to say babysitters have the best memories, all of the information we get right before you leave can be a little overwhelming and hard to remember. And with a list, you’ll be able to enjoy your night out—without any interruptions!
By knowing these ten things, sitters and kids everywhere will be forever grateful! And your temporary freedom will be even sweeter.
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