A babysitter is somebody who comes in your house to supervise your
child/children while you're out. This usually happens during the evening.

The sitter should only be expected to do the bed time routine, which includes quiet play, teeth cleaning and a bed time story. The sitter should not be expected to feed and bath the children. (Unless agreed before hand.)

•  When the sitter arrives, make her feel welcome. Show her round. She needs to know where the bottles, nappies, first aid kit etc is kept. Also show her where she can find tea and coffee. If there are older children she needs to know what they are and aren't allowed to do with regard to television and snacks and what time they need to go to bed.

•  Leave a contact number you can be contacted on and a nearby friend or neighbour in case of an emergency.

•  Remember the sitter doesn't know your children so tell her of any favourite toys or comforters to settle them at bed time.

•  Always tell your children in the morning a babysitter will be coming and keep reminding them. Sneaking off while they are playing hoping for the best never works.

•  Before you leave tell the sitter what time you will be back and stick to it. It's also best to overestimate, arriving home early than leaving your sitter waiting. If there are any hold ups making you late home please let the sitter know.

•  Always pay the sitter on the night she sits.