It is always easy to have a list of questions to ask your babysitter, but it is often hard to figure out what information your babysitter should know about your family. On the other hand, this information is just as important as the information you get from your babysitter. It is a good idea to take the time to write out important details about your family for the babysitter and to go over everything before you leave.

Emergency Contact Information.

This first thing your babysitter will need to know is one of the easiest. You should give contact numbers to your babysitter. Include where you will be, the number for the location, a cell phone number, and a close friend or family member that they should contact if there is an emergency and you can’t be reached. This will make sure that your babysitter can get a hold of someone in case of an emergency.

Illnesses, special care, and or medication.

If your child has any illnesses, special care requirements, or medication your babysitter should have it all written down. It is good to give it to them verbally as well as something they can refer to later. This will make sure that your child receives the care that they need and that any medication is given correctly.

Allergies.

You may have planned out meals and didn’t even think to tell your babysitter about your son’s peanut allergy because everything on the menu was safe, but it is still best if you tell your babysitter about any allergies, especially serious ones. You never know when they might bring something into the house and offer to share with your child. Under normal circumstances this shouldn’t be a big deal, but if it could be then you need to make sure that they know! Once again it is a good idea to write it down, especially if there is more then one allergy. Stress how important it is and give steps should something happen while you aren’t there.

Emergency Supplies.

First aid supplies, a fire extinguisher, and any other safety supplies and tools that you have should be something that your babysitter knows where you keep. Remember that your children may not be able to answer should something happen and the babysitter knowing could save lives.

House Rules.

Any rules you want followed, you should make sure that your babysitter hears it from you. While your kids may be good under normal circumstances, they may also lie to your babysitter to get what they want. So, avoid the hassle by letting your babysitter know things like what can be snacked on and what can’t, bed time, and activities that are allowed and ones that aren’t. This will make it so that your kids can’t manipulate the babysitter, it will make the babysitter’s job easier, and it will also make it so your rules will be followed.

What You Expect.

It should be clear what you expect from your sitter. You should lay out what activities are acceptable. Make sure the sitter knows if you want the kids to go outside or don’t want them outside. Also let them know if you expect them to clean up or not. This will make it easier for your sitter to meet your expectations. You should also let the babysitter know what they should do should someone come to the door or call.

Clear communication with your babysitter could save lives, make it easier for your babysitter, and let your expectation be met. Other wise your babysitter is sitting in the dark on what to do, what not to do, how to keep your kids safe, and how to please you. You are a boss now and no matter how lax you are in the matter, your sitter needs at least the following information from you about your family and how things are done.