enjoy your time away?
Maybe I should rephrase that question. When was the last time
you actually took some time for your partner and yourself by
utilizing the services of a paid babysitter whom you trusted
and the kids loved?
Or...are you simply scared to leave your kids with a sitter?
(That's okay. It IS scary the first time.)
You already know that regular, quality time away from the
responsibilities of parenting can help you be a better parent.
But honestly, you'll need peace of mind about your children's
care if you are going to truly refresh yourself while you're
away.
This is simpler than you think. You can use readily available
tools to accomplish this with ease. The first tool you'll want
to take advantage of is a babysitter checklist.
A babysitter checklist can ensure peace of mind by helping you
keep track of what's most important. For example...
-- Do you worry that your children won't be properly cared for
while you're out for the evening? Then use your babysitter
checklist to detail what activities, what foods and what
schedule you want for your children during that time period. A
bonus of this approach is that both babysitter and children
will be kept busy while you're away.
-- Do you worry about safety issues while you're gone for a few
hours? Put those important numbers such as fire, emergency help,
and poison control directly on your babysitter checklist. Always
leave a phone number where you can personally be reached. If you
have specific safety routines in your home, detail all such
information on your checklist and go over it with your
babysitter before leaving for the evening.
-- Keep any requests on your checklist specific to avoid
misinterpretation. Don't say that movies are okay for the kids
to watch...write down exactly which movies are acceptable to
you. The same goes for TV programs and music choices, too. (If
you need a simple and no-cost babysitter checklist for your own
use, please see the author's resource box at the end of this
article.)
You will still need to find a babysitter you can trust. I have
always found that a personal recommendation is best when it
comes to finding a new sitter. Once you've located a new
sitter, have a 'test sit' so everyone can get acquainted. You
might want to consider hiring your new babysitter to care for
your children while you are in another area of your home.
Again, use your babysitter checklist to give as detailed
instructions as you like, so that your new babysitter knows
EXACTLY what is expected of him or her.
One more thing...pay your babysitter well. You are asking
someone to care for your most precious treasures and, let's
face it, quality costs. If money is an issue for you then be
creative with your time away and reduce your costs on that end
as opposed to trying to cut your babysitter's salary.
Coordinating and organizing your time away from your children
can make such events very valuable for both you and your
family. Take the time to find the right sitter and use a simple
babysitter checklist to make everyone feel comfortable and
secure.
About The Author: Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for
over 25 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at
http://www.paintedg
at http://www.paintedg
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.
