A caregiver can be a great help to busy working parents who need someone to babysit their child while they are away at work.

Whether you choose to have the grandparents babysit or engage a caregiver to help care of your child, good communication with your child’s caregiver will greatly facilitate the childcare process and minimise any misunderstanding later.

1. Set the ground rules

Consistency is important when it comes to disciplining children. Hence, parents should make it a point to remind your caregiver about the ground rules on homework, eating, drinking, watching TV, playing console games and so on. As much as possible, the same level of discipline should be enforced regardless who cares for the child – parents or caregivers.

2. Go through the child’s routine

Familiarise the caregiver with the child’s routine, including the timing for meals, play, homework, naps and so on. If your caregiver is coming over to your home to babysit, show him or her where the relevant items such as toys, books, diapers, snacks and medication are kept.

3. Emergency situations

What happens when your child or your caregiver falls sick or gets injured during the babysitting session? Discuss how to deal with such emergency situations upfront so the caregiver knows what to do.

Have your caregiver keep all emergency numbers handy, including your mobile numbers and alternative contact numbers to other family members (in case you cannot be reached).

Ideally, write all the information on a piece of document that can be updated as and when you need to, and have the caregiver keep a copy of it.

4. Financial implications

Babysitting requires your caregiver to set aside time, money and effort to care for your child.

If you are paying a caregiver to babysit, be sure to discuss payment beforehand, as well as who pays for additional shopping or outings for the child. Be clear about what is the minimum cancellation notice and agree on the working hours to minimise any nasty surprises later.

If you are lucky enough to have the grandparents care for your child, you should also think about whether to pay your parents, especially if they are providing daily care is needed for your child. The “payment” can come in the form of additional allowances for your parents, or paying for the groceries and other expenses for the child.