Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- Babysitter And Pet Sitter Tips -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	Babysitter And Pet Sitter Tips

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

ASK YOUR SITTER

Why have you chosen this job?
How long have you been sitting?
Are you sitting for anyone else? Will that get in the way of you sitting for us?
Have you had an emergency come up while sitting? How did you handle it?
What medical or emergency training do you have?
Do you have any children / pets of your own?
When are you available to sit? Evenings? Weekends? Holidays?

BABYSITTER BASICS

when bedtime is and what bedtime routine to follow
rules about watching TV, playing video games, getting on computer, etc.
instructions for completing homework or chores
rules about having friends over or going out to see friends
instructions about making dinner or serving snacks
any other responsibilities (walking pets, cleaning up, etc.)
information about school hours and day care (if applicable)

CARING FOR PETS WHILE YOU ARE GONE

walk schedule for dogs
instructions about mealtimes and favorite treats
location of leash, cat carrier, kitty litter, and other supplies
list of stores that carry your brand of pet supplies if run out
any other responsibilities (clean cat pan, bathe, etc.)

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

first aid tips and when sitter should call the doctor
make sure your sitter knows the family fire plan
show your sitter where the emergency exits are
show your sitter where the fire extinguisher is
show your sitter where the first aid kit is
leave a list of emergency contact numbers
fire, police, neighbors, to reach you, doctor / vet, and hospital
make sure your sitter knows how to use the door and window locks
give your sitter an extra set of house keys
show your sitter which outside light(s) to leave on

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

if child or pet require any medications (dose and when to give)
if child or pet have any illnesses, allergies, or special needs
let the sitter know if anyone is coming over to fix or deliver anything
clarify what the sitter can or can't do (have friends over, eat, use phone)
clarify if you want sitter to answer phone and take messages
provide instructions and keys if letting sitter use your car
provide sitter with cash (ordering take-out, paying repair people)
let sitter know where you will be and what time you'll be back
provide details about your flight, hotel, itinerary, etc. if traveling
give the sitter a courtesy call if you will be late

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.

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