Writing a note for a weekend babysitter?

[binny]

Ok if you leave your kids with someone for a few days what sort of things do you leave in a note?

My mum sometimes watches our kids when we go on vacation. I usually add friends phone numbers in case of emergency, the school and their Dr numbers as well. Also include their schedules.

I also leave their insurance cards and a letter giving her permission to seek treatment if needed.

She knows them well obviously and already knows any allergies, what their favorite things are and what to do if theyre upset. They spend the night there a lot as a treat.


What else do you add?

 

[JimmyPicker]

Depends on who is watching them. Like you, most of the time it's my mother, and she knows them really well, so extra notes aren't normally needed.

Unless there's some kind of medication involved, then I write it all out. Or appointments/sports practices or games, that sort of thing.

 

[Bren's Mom]

I always leave a pretty detailed note; not a 'you must follow this' but a 'here's the info in case you have a question about something' note. My mom hates it, she sees the note and accuses me of not trusting her. (Yeah, mom, I'm going to the Caribbean for a week and leaving my most treasured loved ones in your care but I don't trust you... ) My MIL could care less, she likes that it's there and she can refer to it if needed.

But anyway, I leave the same info as you. If the caregiver isn't used to the 'daily' routine I leave a general timeline. For example;

Bath nights we start around 7pm. Out of bath and into jammies around 7:30pm. Brush teeth. 2 books. Needs Bear and 2 blankies in the bed. Likes for you to lay with him for a minute. No nightlights on in room, turn on fan, close door.

Be sure to nightlight is on in the bathroom.

Stuff like that. I don't CARE if they 'follow' that...but if they're having difficulty at bedtime having the timeline and following it might make their life easier. If they don't need it great. If they let the kids stay up late, forget their teeth brushing or read them 14 stories...whatever.

I also also leave a list of 'love' foods for the kids. And particularly 'hate' foods. To make meal planning easier.

Be sure to also leave your ADDRESS clearly posted. My mom is a 'forget the house #' type, and also has to write down all phone #s (that's just her personality) so having it clearly written there makes me feel safer in an emergency. You never know when E911 will be down or if someone might not grab a cell phone in an emergency.