Over the holidays, chances are you will need a babysitter in the house. You might think you have the upper hand in this exchange, but still, some advice.
Let's start with the basics – the kids. Most teenagers won't mind a bit of banter – hair braiding, a Disney flick or baking scones is fun for everyone. A six hour tantrum over bedtime is not. If you think the babysitter will struggle, get the little ones tucked in before they arrive.
The key to creating a successful babysitting environment is an excellent selection of food. Don’t approve of junk food? Leave money for a takeaway. We promise, even if your kids are crazy, the babysitter might just let it slide for a Domino’s.
Ditto for central heating. Wearing an extra jumper might be your personal mantra, but do you know how arctic your front room gets after 10pm? Leave the heating on.
If for some bizarre reason you don’t own a TV, warn the babysitter. You might be entertained by your endless selection of World War II literature, but you are not a 15-year-old. Leaving someone with no source of entertainment for five hours isn’t cool.
Stick to the terms and conditions. If your niece has given up the early part of her evening to mind your kids, get back on time. It might only be just half an hour to you, but she’s missing the first half of Wezz to do you this favour so keep your word. A lift there would be nice too.
Finally, be generous. You don’t want to be the scabby house on the road. Babysitters talk and they judge.