What You and Your Babysitter Need to Know
Boys and girls often seek to earn extra money by babysitting. However, as a parent, how can you be sure your local pre-teen or teenager is a good babysitter? Moreover, what responsibilities do you have as the parent?

What Makes a Good Babysitter?
You hire a babysitter so your children will be safe when you are away from home. You want someone with maturity and judgment, someone who likes children and will do fun things with them. The babysitter should know something about child behavior, be able to handle basic needs such as meals and putting the child to bed, and have the training to deal with any problems or emergencies that may arise.

Your Responsibilities as the Parent:
• Introduce the babysitter to your children and pets.
• Give a tour of your home, indicating areas that are off-limits or dangerous to the child.
• Leave emergency telephone numbers, including neighbors who can provide assistance, and the number at which you can be reached.
• Make sure the babysitter knows when to use 9-1-1.
• Show where the first-aid supplies are kept, and ensure the babysitter knows how to use them.
• Brief the babysitter about allergies, medications or other medical information.
• Indicate what TV programs, music or computer games are allowed.
• Make the Internet off limits especially if you connect through a telephone modem.
• Establish rules regarding visitors, whether it be the babysitter's or the children's friends
• If required, explain how to use certain appliances.
• Overall, ensure the babysitter, understands the routines of your household. Some examples include bedtimes, snacks, chores, activities and homework.
• Arrange transportation to and from home for the babysitter.
• Let the babysitter know what time to expect you home, and phone if that changes.
• Call the babysitter at least once while you are out and make sure all is well.