Summer Sitter 101: Your Go-To Checklist

With summer on the horizon, parents just like you are solidifying their babysitter plans. You may have a babysitter in mind or are in the process of finding one. No matter where you are on the journey, it is important that you factor in summer safety and fun. This adds a new layer to the search and preparations. The preparations that go into finding and securing a summer sitter may seem overwhelming, but it can be done successfully if you know what to do and where to start.

Find a babysitter

It has been said that it is best to start at the beginning, and you cannot prepare your babysitter for summer without a babysitter. Find a babysitter that aligns with your availability and values. Be sure to check references and do clearances to ensure your child’s safety. When interviewing sitters, give them specific scenarios, especially dealing with summer situations, that may arise while they are caring for your kids. This way, you can see how they would handle different situations that may come up.

Babysitter certifications

If you find a babysitter who already has certifications, that would be great! Otherwise, you will want them to either do new certifications or renew certifications that are expired. Since summer is a time when your kids will be playing outside or swimming in pools, it is important that your babysitter is first aid and CPR certified in case of an emergency. Depending on your family’s needs, you may even have them take an advanced babysitting course or pet care certification. If possible, pay for your babysitter to take these courses, as they can be costly.

Pool safety expectations

Whether you have a pool in your backyard or your babysitter is taking your kids to the neighborhood pool, it is important to make sure pool safety expectations are understood and followed. Pools can be dangerous if they are not used properly. If the pool is in your backyard, show your babysitter how to make sure your kids do not go in unattended, whether there is a locked fence or other safety feature. Provide them with the right equipment, including a life jacket or floaties. Communicate what you are comfortable with and the pool rules, wherever the pool is. Enforce the use of sunscreen and be sure your kids are staying hydrated.

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Family trip sitter

You and your family may love your babysitter enough to bring them on a family vacation with you. This is especially helpful if the place you are going has a child-free zone that you want to use to relax. Even if a trip is entirely kid-friendly, you may still want an extra set of hands or someone to watch your kids if you and your partner want to plan a date night. When you bring a sitter on vacation, decide what your sitter’s hours will be and when they will be able to have free time to relax as well. Consider paying for their hotel room and meals on top of their normal hourly rate. Be clear upfront about any expectations you have for childcare while on vacation.

Summer reading encouragement

Over the summer, kids may have summer reading assignments. Even if they don’t, it is still a good idea to encourage your child to read over the summer. Your local library or bookstore may have summer reading programs or incentives that will encourage your child’s reading. Have your babysitter make some time for reading while they are watching your child during the day. Have books available or have your sitter take them to the library or bookstore to help inspire their reading. You can even have your sitter plan activities, like going to the zoo or a museum, that are related to books your child is reading. This way, your child will be even more inspired to read.

Plan summer activities

While summer is a time for your child to relax and have fun, they still need a sense of structure and routine. Work with your babysitter to plan fun summer activities for your child. These activities are even better if they are free. Your sitter and child can spend some time at the park, including having a picnic. Check with your local library to see if they offer free passes to nearby museums so your child and sitter can learn something new, have some fun, and not have to worry about spending money. Have your sitter create a scavenger hunt for your child to solve. This will encourage your child to use their brain and figure out clues and riddles.

Educational TV

You may want to limit screen time as much as possible, but there are some days when your child will spend more time in front of the TV than others, especially if it is raining outside. Encourage your babysitter to watch educational shows and movies with your child if they decide to have the TV on. Make a list of shows and movies you approve of so they do not have to guess about what your child should watch.

Knowing exactly what to have your summer sitter do with your child and setting expectations will help your child have a great summer and ensure your sitter is successful.