I got this idea from my sister-in-law. I made a “Babysitter Binder” that includes anything from emergency information to kids’ schedules to instructions on how to work the television. It is so nice to have all this information in one place, instead of scribbling something on a notepad that may or may not be sufficient for your babysitter to have an evening of smooth sailing with your kids. You want your sitter to focus on your kids, not be flustered.
This binder is a no hassle, all-inclusive book of answers to babysitter’s FAQs! I can already hear them thanking you for making one. J
Here is a sample of mine:
Here is what is on the inside cover - "quick" activities in case they run out of things to do :)
**An all important page (which is not pictured because it has personal information on it) has all the emergency contact information. Our kids' full names, dates of birth, mine and Thad's phone numbers, emergency contacts, our pediatrician's information, our insurance information, and the number to a medical hotline that is available 24/7. Obviously, we would have the sitter call us first - this is more for anyone watching them while we are out of town (or if they can't get a hold of us for whatever reason).**
Next, I have the kids' bedtime routines
A "manual" for all the technology we have!
A couple of "quick references"
And there you have it! Your babysitter’s bible. ;) So what are you waiting for? Get started so you can have a care-free night out with your spouse - you deserve it!
I love that you have all of this information, I just left a long note for the babysitter about bedtime routines and I thought - "am I a crazy lady who is paranoid about her children's sleep???" but sounds like you are the same way. At least we can be crazy together :)
ReplyDeleteYou are darn skippy, Jess! It's a scary thing leaving your little ones in the hands of someone else. If they haven't been around them enough, at least they can get to "know" them on paper, right? ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is genius!
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice because I feel like I would be writing an essay every time! Since these are word docs saved on my computer, all I have to do is some quick editing and print! :) Such a time saver.
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