by Pam Hilts

Created on: January 25, 2009   Last Updated: February 08, 2011

The title of this article is broad enough to encompass both the occasional night out and a having a full-time babysitter.  Both situations are unique and would differ in their approach to household rules while the babysitter is present. 

In the presence of a full-time or nearly full-time babysitter most if not all of the house rules should stand.  This allows the child an opportunity to grow up in an environment that is consistent .   Consistency plays a large role in a child's ability to moderate impulse control, make strong attachments and to feel secure.  Nothing is completely static and a child will learn to interact with Mom, Dad, Grandparents, and caregivers in different ways, however, coming forward as a united front will go a long way in helping your child to grow up to be the best that he or she can be.

The occasional sitter presents an entirely new type of environment.  By its very nature it's an "exception" to the normal every-day functioning of the household, so it is appropriate to have a little fun with it. 

Certainly any rules that govern the safety of your children should be immutable.  Hygiene may be another area that should be left untampered with. 

The most obvious rule that could be relaxed is the dreaded bedtime.  Rarely to children express gleefulness about an 8 pm bedtime, so in contrast an extension of that that time line should bring a smile to almost any child's face!  Make a mental note of your household rules.  Limited TV?  Limited snacks?  Limited computer time?  I'm sure you have more of your own.  Give each consideration and decide if you are comfortable relaxing any of these rules, then do it!

Hopefully you have selected a sitter with good judgment as he or she is going to have to make some on-the-spot judgments.  Make sure that your children know who is in charge and that the treat of breaking a few rules does not entitle them to try and eek out any extra benefits.  Consider it  as being a bit like having a substitute teacher.  Think back and I'm sure you can think of times when students would try to finagle a little something out of the classroom's stand-in leader! 

Creating an atmosphere that your children look forward to go will a long way in making their evening  fun and also make your sitter's job more enjoyable. 

Then go out, have a great time, knowing that your kids are doing the same!

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