Bed Time and the Babysitter

Mornings could be a terror for you if your kids don't get under the covers on time. This wouldn't really be significant to your babysitter but it certainly does matter to you – being the parent.

So make sure your babysitter knows the tricks of the trade and is able to put your kids to sleep well in time.

Here are some bed time tips you could suggest to your babysitter:

• It is always better to prepare the child for your upcoming absence. Explain to him that you or your spouse, or both of you will not be home for his bedtime. Tell him who will be watching him in your stead.
• Instruct your babysitter to avoid video games or similar activities before bedtime. This could give rise to kids losing a track of their bedtime.
• Once the kids are in asleep, it could be relaxing for the babysitter, but checking upon them every half an hour is essential. They may wish to drink water, use the toilet or need a little comforting because they had a nightmare. Tell your babysitter to be alert and keep a check on the children.
• Giving the kids company always works. The sitter could try reading out stories or simply talking to them thus encouraging them not to leave the room.
• Assuring them that their parents are out but will be back soon, works quite a bit. With the little ones, a gentle bribery usually works. Helping the child visualize, how proud the parents would be when they discover their child went to sleep without creating a fuss.
• Giving the children a nice warm bath just before bed, soothes them, and loosens their bodies. In case your children already have one such routine inform the babysitter about it and if they don't have one she could still give them a bath.
• Feeding the kids late in the evening is a total no. Direct her to discourage late evening meals. Late meals rejuvenates them, ending in their wanting to stay up longer.
• Before the kids start their nightly routine, mind stimulating games could be used to wear them out. These not only keep them from boredom but also causes them to be drained.
• Instruct the sitter to stick to the scheduled bedtime as best as she can. No matter what the excuse, bedtime is bedtime. If the child says he is unable to sleep, gentle words could be exercised to send him back to bed
• Lastly the child is yours no matter how good the babysitter may seem to you, before calling them the next time ask your child his/ her feedback.

Whether your kids like it or not it is in their best interest for you to maintain sound bedtime practices. Advice your babysitter these bed time tips and you could help her eliminate your child's resistance to bed.