What You Should NOT Have a Babysitter Do

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

With the summer months upon us, many of us will be utilizing babysitters more for our young children. And, as if safety isn't a big enough issue, there are certain safety issues that should be taken under consideration when you do hire a babysitter to look after your child. As a matter of fact, there are certain things it is a good idea to NOT ask your babysitter to do:

As a rule, babysitters should not be asked to take children swimming. I know this seems like being overly cautious and this is one of the premier summer-time activities, but if you think it through-children, water, potential danger-you'll see that it is a lot of responsibility for one babysitter. Swimming at a public pool or one where there is a good ratio of qualified staff and life guards is preferred to having or letting a babysitter take children swimming in a river, lake or ocean.

Since we're on the subject of water, it is also a good safety consideration to NOT ask babysitters to give children and babies baths. Again, slippery children and water-this is one of the most unsafe activities in any family and asking a babysitter to handle this situation is really asking too much.

Dispensing medicine is another one of those tasks that should not fall to the babysitter. Many parents seem to feel fine about leaving medicine and instructions, but there is a reason that day care centers and schools make such a fuss about getting written permission or having parents come in to dispense medicine. It is better that you just not ask your babysitter to handle this task.

Finally, babysitters should not be expected to do housework and household tasks. They are there to watch the children and any time they spend doing household cleaning or other jobs will take away from their attention to the safety and well-being of the child. Not to mention, getting out cleaning products and equipment while trying to also watch children can present an addition safety risk.

See Also: Gearing Up for Bugs and Bites

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