Tips for looking after someone else’s kids

My husband and I don’t tend to have other people look after our children because we’re in the very fortunate position to be able to care for them ourselves. Previously we have left them in the care of others for short periods of time and from our experience of this, along with hearing the views of other parents and their experiences, I thought I’d put together a post of tips when looking after someone else’s kid!

1. If you’re told a routine to follow – follow the routine! You may think that mum is being a tad over zealous, but there’s probably a reason why she’s written down a list of the exact times that she’d like you to do certain things. For example, lunch at 12pm, snack at 2pm and dinner at 5pm or bath at 5.30pm, bedtime story at 6.30pm. I’m pretty sure she hasn’t spent an hour, maybe more, making sure she’s included everything she feels necessary in the list to look after her children just for fun! Routines are also pretty important for children too. It means they know what to expect when and thus makes them feel secure.

2. No sleeping during the day means no sleeping during the day. Listen to mum and dad! If they say not to let their child sleep during the day, simply don’t let them sleep during the day! No, it’s not their way of causing their child to be sleep-deprived, but their way of ensuring that when it comes to bedtime their child can drift off to sleep easily and have a good night’s sleep.

3. Much like the above point if you’re asked to ensure a child has a nap, please try to make sure this happens.

4. Interact with the children that you’re looking after. Play with them, read to them and talk to them. This is your opportunity to bond with the child in your care and by doing so creating a relationship in which the child feels safe and happy whilst in your care.

5. Don’t bring gifts every time you visit. Not only will the child expect you to bring a gift each time they see you, but mum and dad may well get pretty annoyed at the amount of ‘stuff’ their children are accumulating. Bring yourself, maybe a snack for the child and nothing more!