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Parenting Tips on March 15 Fox 4 Morning News: Babysitting Basics

It's hard to enjoy your time away from your kids unless you feel they're being well taken care of.  Tune into the Fox 4 parenting expert on Tuesday for tips on selecting and working with a babysitter.

Tips for selecting a babysitter

• Ask friends, co-workers and neighbors for referrals
• Get and check references
• Interview several babysitters

Ask Situational Questions (what would you do if …?)

• Instructions for babysitter
• Give your expectations: playing with children vs. watching tv
• Be clear about rules: no friends over, no Internet, child-friendly TV only
• Tell them child's bedtimes and discipline methods
• Give a checklist with all contact and emergency info
• Show sitter fire extinguisher, first aid and escape exits

• Is the babysitter reliable?
• Does she get there on time?
• Does she have her own transportation?
• Do the children feel comfortable with her?
• What discipline can she use?
• Does she invite friends over?
• What are her strengths?
• What are her weaknesses?

• What do you like about babysitting?
• What is the hardest part?
• How do you comfort a crying child?
• What would you do if a child cut himself?  Hit his head? Cried for his parents?

• Child's name
• Height
• Weight
• Allergies
• Foods not allowed
• Medical condition(s)
• Medication(s)
• Bedtime
• Emergency numbers (poison control, 911 for fire or police)
• Home address and directions to the home from the nearest major intersection, in case it needs to be relayed to emergency services
• Parent name, location, phone number
• Back-up contacts if parents cannot be reached
• Time parents will return
• Food parameters
• Discipline guidelines
• Bedtime routine

• Phone
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Fire alarm
• Flashlights and candles
• How to lock and unlock the doors, fire escape route, storm shelter

Please visit The Family Conservancy's website, or blog about this topic on our Facebook page. 

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