As the employer of a resident nanny, it is essential that you devise a set of rules for your nanny to obtain the desired services. These rules will clear up any babysitting role issues that could otherwise create confusion. These ground rules will also help define the relationship between you and your babysitter, thus avoiding any kind of misunderstanding.
Read on about the rules for your resident babysitter. It is recommended that you include these rules in your nanny contract or agreement.
Define the roles and responsibilities of the babysitter
Clearly explain your duties, roles, and responsibilities to your babysitter. Set appropriate rules for child care. For example, you can set rules like keeping the child and his room clean and tidy, feeding him fresh food, etc. Also, if your babysitter agrees to do housekeeping, discuss the applicable rules regarding laundry, dishwashing, ironing, or any other related activities.
Daily schedules
Design a schedule for meals, activities, and sleep times. Make sure the child is comfortable with the schedule. Set time limits for babysitting and other household chores. Once you have determined that your babysitter is effective and responsible in carrying out her duties, you can allow her to be more flexible with the schedule.
Spell the house rules
Discuss the house rules with your babysitter and let her know if you have restrictions on entering or using certain areas of your home, such as your bedroom or home office. Define rules to keep order in your room. Also, let him know where safety and emergency tools can be found. Be sure to explain how and when to use them.
Problems related to the discipline of children
Encourage her to teach discipline to her children. Ask him to be consistent when it comes to disciplining children. However, the babysitter should not be subjected to any form of physical punishment if the child engages in unruly behavior. Talk to your babysitter and devise an effective management system to deal with these issues.
Design rules for babysitter behavior
Sometimes devising rules for a babysitter’s behavior can interfere with her personal interests. Although it may seem inappropriate, making your views clear is mandatory to avoid certain problems that may arise later.
Are visits allowed (to meet the babysitter)?
Decide if you want to allow your babysitter to have visitors. As the resident babysitter stays in your home, you may need to think about your visitors overnight and take care to set strict rules for such visits. Make sure your babysitter is clear about what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in regards to your visitors.
Rules for safe driving
Sometimes your babysitter may have to take your children out. To ensure your child’s safety, define rules related to driving, such as obeying traffic rules, taking care of fuel needs, maintaining speed limits, fastening children in their seats, etc.
Encourage your babysitter to follow the rules mentioned above. Organize monthly meetings with her to discuss any topic related to child care. If necessary, make the necessary changes and establish new rules.