How can you make sure the first day goes smoothly? There are several ways you can help prepare your babysitter so they are ready for their first time alone with your children. Remember they are coming to a new environment with new people so you want to help get settled on their first day. The happier they are, the happier your child will be.

Firstly, it might be a nice idea to do a trial run. Have them babysit for an hour or two while you are still in the house. That way the babysitter and your child will feel more comfortable with one another. It will also allow you to learn more about the type of babysitter they are, putting any worries you have at rest. During this time you can also discuss with the babysitter any key information about each child that they might need. This way they could even plan to do something they know the children likes on the first day.

Then when it comes to the first day, prepare all the relevant information the babysitter might need and have it written down on a piece of paper in advance.

The piece of paper should include the following information on:

1. Your mobile number
2. A nearby neighbour’s name and their number
3. Second emergency contact
4. The full house address
5. Doctors or emergency line number
6. Where will you be
7. Are you expecting anyone else to come round (e.g. cleaner)

When they arrive you can give them the piece of paper with important information on then give them a tour around the house. Show them where things like spare clothes, first aid kit, torch and snacks might be.

Then you want to help the babysitter to be the boss of the house without being bossy. You can do this by making sure they know the house rules and then they can enforce them correctly. For example:

1. What food are the children allowed to eat and how much?
2. What is the children’s bedtime? Give them a general routine with timings.
3. Do they have a homework schedule?
4. Is the TV allowed?

Also, let them know about the children’s likes and dislikes, what comforts them when they get upset. They will learn more information about the children as time goes on but it would be good to help them out with the main things on the first day.

You also need to remember that if the babysitter is dropping off or picking up your children from school then you need to inform the right people so there is no confusion.

Finally, it is also important to consider that it´s not just the babysitter that you need to prepare but also the children. What can you do to help your child in this situation?

1. Give the children advance notice when hiring a one-off or a regular babysitter. You want to make sure the children are aware of it and not surprise them. This means they can prepare themselves to be left with someone new.
2. Involve the children with the process; it’s not rare for a child to get anxious around new people. So let them know some information about the babysitter in advance. You can answer any questions they have before you leave them.
3. Go over the house rules with the children. Make it clear what they can and cannot do. They should know that the rules don´t change just because someone new is looking after them.
4. Offer reassurance and let them see the contact sheet with important mobile numbers on. Then they know they can contact you if they need to.

Once all the important information has been handed over your job has been done. It might be worthwhile for just the first day to suggest some activities they could all do together since you know better than anyone what your children enjoy.

I hope this post has helped you feel more prepared for the babysitters first day. The main thing to consider is that you want the babysitter to know the important information and feel like they have everything they need to look after your child.

If you are looking for any more tips on finding a babysitter or what activities are good for teaching English then look at our other blog posts.