Leaving your child with a new babysitter so that you can enjoy a little adult time can be a daunting task. Of course you worry about how the sitter might handle an emergency, how much to pay her and how the kids will act while you're gone - but do you ever think of how to make her job easier? Aside from letting them know the basics like compensation, emergency numbers, your contact information and where to find items in the house, sitters say they need a little more information to make the experience a success. You may think a sitter appreciates not having to enforce rules with the kids - many parents use babysitting night as a chance for the kids to "do whatever they want." But you're putting an undue burden on a sitter, who may feel terrible and exhausted at the end of the night when the hellions have run amok, tearing up the house on a sugar high all night. Familiarize a sitter with the rules of the house, and reinforce those rules with the kids before you go.
Remember to make allowances for special treats if you choose to do so and let the sitter know what's off limits. A sitter brings with her the rules with which she is familiar. If you're OK with the kids filling up on candy, that's fine, but the sitter needs to know before she makes the sweets, typically a treat, off limits to the kids. Typical rewards and punishments for behavior need to be discussed. Do you use time-outs, taking away privileges or some other form of punishment? Tell her. Most parents tell the sitter to call with "any" questions, but most sitters won't unless they absolutely have to. Let her know when you'd like to be called - for every whimper or just at the sight of blood? Do let the sitter know when you plan to be late as well. When she has all the information she needs, sitting will go smoothly and you'll be sure to call on her again!