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Show Inform Baby Sitters About Job During Winter Months If; that itme of year again whei babysitters find "kid-dinf "kid-dinf around" the neighborhood neighbor-hood is a popular occupation. -(older weather heats up cutural, athletic, social and clurch activities and that reans parents will be leaving lome in droves during the jvening hours. Utah Safety -Council President, J. Howard ' Latimer, and the Utah Safety Cbuncil join in reminding parents that babysitters may be the most important help they ever hire. "Whether last year's sitter is making a return engagement engage-ment or a new sitter is on the schedule, there are a few things every sitter should know before you leave the house," advised Dr. Latimer. The sitter should know the location of all exits, telephones, tele-phones, stairwavs, bathijjoms, play areas, "off-limits" areas, and at which homes neighbors are available for assistance if needed. If your sitter is new or you've moved, have him or her show up early so you can point out these locales. Even your "veteran" babysitter should arrive at least 15 minutes early in case you have special instructions. "The transition time between the sitter's arrival and the parents' leaving should be as orderly as possible to avoid upsetting or confusing the children," Dr. Latimer noted. The sitter should know the telephone number and address where you can be reached and, in additon, the telephone numbers of neighbors, the police, fire department, doctor, doc-tor, ambulance service and any others the sitter may need in an emergency. Show the sitter the list and place it by the telephone. -The sitter should be made aware of family schedules, patterns, medicine dosages, special routines, etc., to insure the evening will run hassle free. Also, show the sitter where the children's books, games and toys are kept so he or she can keep the children entertained and busy. If the sitter will be responsible for such tasks as making meals, diapering, bathing, etc., go over the procedures with him or her if the sitter has not performed these duties before in your home. Show the sitter how to " operate the locks and latches on all doors, inside and out. -If you expect the sitter to enforce forbidden activities, etc., give the sitter these guidelines in the presence of the children. "Once the parents have left the home, their responsibility for the children shouldn't evaporate no matter how capable the sitter. Check in by phone at least once during the evening to see how things are going." suggests Dr. Latimer. "The parents also should extend that calling courtesy and responsibility to the sitter. He or she should be called if the parents will be late coming home. If babysitting chores take place during the night time hours, the parents should walk or drive the sitter home," he said. "Remember a babysitter is a stand-in parent. Accept no substitutes for a good babysitter. babysit-ter. It's no small job. Filling it properly is a huge responsibility responsibili-ty for any parent," Dr. Latimer concluded. |