As a divorced parent, you’ll likely need to rely on a babysitter a bit more than you did before. You’re handling a lot on a daily basis, and sometimes you need a break. There’s no shame in this, and there are plenty of people you can call on, or pay, to make your life a bit easier from time to time. However, the key to making sure you can always pay that babysitter to ease your workload, is to make sure you use proper babysitting client etiquette. While you need certain things from them, they also need certain things from you.
Babysitting Client Etiquette: Keeping your Child Care
Plan ahead
While there are likely a few babysitters around for a last minute Friday night call— the chances aren’t high. After all, your babysitter might have plans, or may be helping another family. If you can plan ahead, you’ll likely have your pick of the crop, and also won’t be scrambling last minute to make plans so you don’t have to cancel yours.
Pay well
With babysitters, just like anything else, you get what you pay for. This is not to say you’ll need to pay a 16 year old $15 an hour. However, $10-$12 is a pretty enticing amount for babysitters. Also, consider the experience they have babysitting, and the number of kids you have. You can always consider asking, ‘what seems reasonable to you?’ And then go from there. If you don’t pay well, there are plenty of families who will, and you’ll likely find yourself without decent help.
Don’t be late
If you say you’re going to be home by 10:00 P.M., be there by that time. Your babysitter has a life too, and this is babysitting client etiquette 101. You might not be their only plans for the evening, and it can leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth when the plan is disregarded. Respect your babysitter’s time.
Feed your sitter
You’re likely calling on a babysitter during dinner time. So, feed them. Offer up snacks in the pantry, make them feel comfortable— or even supply their favorite foods from time to time. Or, even consider leaving money for pizza. Don’t leave the person in charge of your children distracted by hunger, or irritation at being hungry.
Don’t expect them to go above and beyond
Some babysitter’s might wash dishes, fold laundry, or wipe down counters— but don’t expect it. You’re paying someone to watch your kids, not clean your house. If you want additional services, ask for them— and pay for them.