Teach me about the etiquette of having a babysitter

newinhouston

Tonight for the first time since DD was born we are leaving her with a babysitter. We have agreed on hours (7 to 12 PM) and pay ($10/hour). Neither my husband nor I have ever dealt with a babysitter (it's just unheard of in our home country). I really don't know the etiquette of having a babysitter

Am I supposed to provide dinner for her? If so, what is acceptable? money to order in? frozen food? pizza?

On top of the agreed upon money, should I tip?

DH says that we should offer her our guest room in case she doesn't want to drive back home at midnight. Is this standard procedure?

There's a TV in the living room which she could watch, but if she wants to use a computer should I give her the password to our internet provider?

Please tell me everything you can about how to deal with a babysitter

Thanks! 

starlettedir

How old is the sitter? My answers would be different based off that.

 

kimthgrt

when I babysat as a teenager, I never got tipped. I think the wage you are offering is about average. As far as the internet goes, depending on her age, I would make a guest profile specifically for guests so she cant go snooping in your things, but still be able to play on the computer.

With food, none of mine ever left extra money for food per say, but they did let me eat anything i wanted from their pantry and fridge. BUt thats entirely up to you. Offering your guest room is a very nice gesture, I would probably get to know her a little better before offering it though.  

MMS2007

i think the rate you're paying is good, and we don't tip, but if we don't have the actual breakdown of what's owed, we'll over pay by a few dollars or so.

i don't think you need to give her password to get online.  she'll bring a book or something if she thinks she'll get bored or teens text on their phones

if we have a sitter during dinner hour, i always order pizza for her so it's here when she get's here.  plus she can have what's in the house.

i don't think you need to offer the guestroom, while it's super nice of you, it's simply not necessary.   plus the sitters parents may not   want her to stay the night if she's a teen, may want to consult with them first.

have fun!  good luck with sitter

TexasHarmony

If I know the kids (mainly the younger one) was particularly awful, I try to give extra $.

Our main sitter is married and in her mid-20s.  She has full reign of our kitchen, Internet, TV, etc.  I also have no problem with her husband coming over too.  

I generally provide dinner - either pizza, asking them in advance if they want a burger or something special, etc.  

TexasHarmony

Most important - HAVE FUN tonight!  

newinhouston

Thanks y'all for your advice. I'll give her full reign of the pantry and fridge. I think I'll wait to know her better before offering our guest room.  And the guess profile on our computer is an excellent idea as well.

Susana