Share          Print        Comment

Rate this page:

Babysitting Tips for Grandparents

Babysitting is a great way to bond with and get to know your grandchildren, as well as to lend a hand to your adult children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 23 percent of children under the age of 5 are cared for by their grandparents on a temporary basis. Of those, 24 percent are watched by their grandparents between 10 and 29 hours each week, while approximately 7 percent are watched for more than 30 hours each week. To ensure your babysitting time is safe and fun for the children, their parents and you, here are some tips:

Safety First

Have the children's parents write out important information about the children's daily routine, including nap times, bed times, what they each like and dislike eating, bath time, as well as emergency information. Be sure you have their doctor's contact information, and phone numbers for the poison control center, helpful neighbors, the children's school and any after-school programs they're involved in. Ask for copies of the parents' insurance cards, a list of any prescription medication the children are taking, and a list of any allergies the children have, and know the location of the first aid kit and any other important medical information. You should also have each parent's cell phone number, work number, and hotel number if they are traveling. Be sure you have a letter of permission stating that you are responsible for your grandchildren for a specified period of time and that you have permission to seek medical and dental care for them and to deal with any school-related issues. This letter should be signed and dated by the parents to avoid any hassles and needless delays in an emergency.

Establish the Rules

Make sure you get a list of the rules from the parents so you don't have to play the "bad guy." Make sure the children know you understand the usual rules under which they operate to dissuade them from trying to pull the wool over your eyes. How much television can the children watch? For older grandchildren, what are the rules on phone use and/or Internet use? Keeping the children's routine as familiar as possible will limit conflicts.

Plan Ahead

While you don't have to write our a daily itinerary for your grandchildren, it is a good idea to have several activities on hand to entertain them, especially if it's rainy outside and they can't run around outside to burn off their endless energy! Keep supplies such as Play-doh, bubbles, board games, coloring books, sock puppets and other toys on hand for playtime. Depending on the age of your grandchildren, you can also share your favorite hobby with them. For instance, try teaching them how to knit or sew, or build model boats or airplanes. Or try planning the dinner menu for that night and let your grandchildren help you make it. This is a great way to teach them about nutrition, measures, and weights, as well as how to cook.

Communicate

Keep the lines of communication open with your adult children regarding the care of their children. Although they are your children, when you begin taking care of their children, conflicts and issues can arise - over money (if you are being paid), childrearing, discipline, scheduling, etc. To avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings, establish ground rules early on. Discuss vacation, hours of care, what should happen if they need you to look after the children outside of your usual schedule. Review the arrangement regularly to ensure it still works with everyone's schedule and needs.

Babysitting your grandchildren offers a unique opportunity to bond with your grandchildren and enjoy your role as playmate, mentor, and confidant. With a little preparation and forethought, your time spent as babysitter can create special memories to last a lifetime.