Hiring a babysitter

Hiring a Babysitter

Feeling a little like the umbilical chord is still attached?

It's time to get out of the house for an hour or two or three. Maybe a quiet, romantic dinner with your best friend will help. Or better yet, how about a weekend retreat with a good book and a bubble bath?

It may sound like a good idea until you start looking for someone to take care of your children with allergies, asthma, hives, eczema, and food allergies!

Aside from the obvious candidates - grandparents, other family members, godparents, and neighbors - responsible teenage babysitters can also take temporary but excellent care of your cherubs with allergies and asthma.

Interview prospective babysitters to determine their interest in caring for children with special health needs.

Ask for references from other parents.

Hire the babysitter to spend an afternoon or two with you and the children. Use this time to teach the babysitter about your child's special needs.

Post emergency contact information and instructions on the refrigerator door or other clearly visible and accessible location.

Leave a written letter giving permission to authorize treatment in the unlikely event that you cannot be reached in an emergency.

Never leave your child in the care of another person when their asthma symptoms are not under good control.

		Hiring a Babysitter Feeling a little like the umbilical chord is still attached? It's time to get out of the house for an hour or two or three. Maybe a quiet, romantic dinner with your best friend will help. Or better yet, how about a weekend retreat with a good book and a bubble bath? It may sound like a good idea until you start looking for someone to take care of your children with allergies, asthma, hives, eczema, and food allergies! Aside from the obvious candidates - grandparents, other family members, godparents, and neighbors - responsible teenage babysitters can also take temporary but excellent care of your cherubs with allergies and asthma. Interview prospective babysitters to determine their interest in caring for children with special health needs. Ask for references from other parents. Hire the babysitter to spend an afternoon or two with you and the children. Use this time to teach the babysitter about your child's special needs. Post emergency contact information and instructions on the refrigerator door or other clearly visible and accessible location. Leave a written letter giving permission to authorize treatment in the unlikely event that you cannot be reached in an emergency. Never leave your child in the care of another person when their asthma symptoms are not under good control.