Sitter Solutions: Strategies For Letting Your Babysitter Go

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By mia bolaris-forget

Finding a trustworthy babysitter can be quite the challenge, and perhaps that’s why many mommies and daddies are reluctant to let go of someone, who, for one reason or another may not be completely working out. On the other hand, this uncomfortable scenario may be avoided altogether by following some simple strategies and rules.

· Set reasonable and understandable guidelines from the start: Make sure you lay your ground rules (such as no television at all or no sugar snacks) from the beginning. And, make sure you follow up and address the issue if and when your rules and guidelines are ignored or broken.

In addition, you’ll want to schedule monthly meeting to discuss progress, new rules, revisions or old ones, and keep communication open. In fact, it’s best to keep them “informal”, short and sweet, and if there’s an “issue” start off by first pointing out something positive and something your sitter has done well.

If however your warnings aren’t heeded or if you notice questionable behvaviour in your children or in your sitter, more extreme measures, such as firing may just be a “must. And, regardless of the affront, that’s never easy.

New sitters can simply be taken off your call list, while more seasoned sitters should be addressed in person or over the phone and given the courtesy of knowing that your ending your “relationship” and why. And, if the plan is to discuss it with him or her on his or her next job, wait until the end of the sitting session to address him or her.

Also, while in some instances you may be willing to give the sitter another chance, in other instances it’s best to simply cut the cord. They key is saying what you mean and to mean what your say. Stay strong and, unless the offense is “that” serious be kind, polite and try to soften the blow as best and a much as possible. Remember, give a broad, general reason, such as: “ we’ve discussed the issue and it seems we won’t be needing a sitter for a while, so if you need to fill your schedule with other jobs, we are okay with it.” Leave out specifics and minor details (unless necessary).

Long Island Family Life & Parenting Articles > Sitter Solutions: Strategies For Letting Your Babysitter Go