by Melanie Marten

Created on: November 02, 2009

Every caring parent takes time to discover information about the babysitter for her children: experience, habits, play ideas and references. Sometimes they forget it is equally important for the babysitter to have vital information about your family. Instead of simply leaving a contact number and the admonition of, 'Be good now!" before heading out the door, take the time to give the babysitter information she needs to know.

Allergies, Aversions and Fears

Anything that you know can affect your children badly should be revealed to the babysitter before they take charge of your kids. Any food or other allergies should be listed and their severity should be explained carefully to the child care expert. What to do in case of allergic attack is also very important.

Your child's aversions to things, and fears about specific topics, should also be explained in full. Before a well-meaning babysitter attempts to show a new movie or give a new snack to your child, it is helpful if they know what reaction it may cause. Avoiding problems in advance helps the evening go smoothly.

Religious of Belief Systems

In no way should you attempt to get a babysitter to practice or take part in a religious ceremony or habit that is not her own. However, if your family practices a specific religion that has rules for your children to obey, the babysitter should be made aware of them. For example, tell the babysitter that the children are supposed to pray before bedtime, or that your religion prohibits eating certain things or certain types of stories.

Family Dynamics and Habits

Ideally, the babysitter should have spent some time with your children before you leave them alone together. In that time, she can witness the relationship between the kids and begin to determine the potential problems or benefits to their interactions. For example, is the older one very helpful, or likely to try to get the younger one in trouble.

There is a good chance the kids will not display their usual behavior the first time they meet the sitter, however. Shyness and parents' admonitions to be on their best behavior may skew the child care provider's perceptions. This is where the parents can step in and, out of earshot of the children, explain how things work in the family.

Letting the babysitter in on important information about your family is vital to a positive child care experience. Both you and the babysitter will feel more at ease, and the children will benefit from more specialized care.

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