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Ten Things That you Must Leave for a Long-Term Sitter
As much as we enjoy traveling with our children sometimes it is good or even necessary for Mom and Dad to get away alone. If you also leave behind these ten things the separation will be easier on all involved.
Itinerary Information Form
This includes details about your itinerary, how you can be reached, names and
phone numbers of close friends and/or relatives in case they are needed.
Medical Release Form
This form needs to be signed by at least one parent and possibly notarized. It
should include the name and all contact information for your child’s physician. It will give your sitter permission to seek medical help for your child and
permission for your Dr. to treat your child, if necessary.
An Emergency Situation Form
If it becomes necessary for your sitter to call for emergency help he/she may not
be able to remember critical information. Prominently display a sign with the
emergency number or numbers to call, your family’s name, your address, your
children’s names and ages, any allergies they might have, and directions to your
home, including the major cross streets.
A Medical Information Sheet for Each Child
This form should include your child’s full name, date of birth, a list of any
allergies they might have, a list of any medications they might be taking including
the dosage, any pertinent medical history, i.e. had appendix removed two months
ago, was born prematurely, etc., correct instructions for how to dispense any
medication including any over the counter medications your child may need and
the name and contact information for your child’s Dr. Attach a copy of your
child’s Immunization Records and your child’s Insurance Card to this page.
A Schedule Describing Your Family’s Normal Routine
Your children will be a lot
happier in your absence if their schedules aren’t interrupted also.
Your Child’s Favorite Foods
Either make a list of your child’s favorite menus (be sure that all the ingredients are on hand) or enough meals already prepared in the freezer for the sitter to thaw
out and cook. If you have more than one child, either choose foods they all like or pick one or two meals from each of their favorites. Don’t forget to leave some of their favorite snacks also.
A List of Your Child’s Friend’s Phone Numbers
If your child is allowed to play at a friend’s home be sure that your sitter knows
how to contact the child there.
A List of the "House Rules"
Sitters may be surprised that your children are allowed to watch television until
midnight, eat ice cream for breakfast and don’t have to take a bath until the day
their parents are returning! J Make a list of the most important do’s and don’ts,
but you might want to let them slide on cleaning their room, after all this is
almost like a vacation for them too.
Some Surprise Treats for Your Children
The surprises don’t have to be fancy; your children will be so excited to get a
present from you that it won’t matter much what it is. Leave instructions on when
these can be opened. Here are some suggestions: - A gift certificate for a video rental
- A new book
- Something they can use in their hobby
- A bottle of bubbles
- A stuffed animal
- A pack of gum
- A candy bar
Some "Fun Money" and Some "Emergency Money"
Having some extra money on hand will allow for pizza delivery or lunch at
McDonalds or some other fun treat. Emergency money can be used for any
number of unexpected expenses.
While being away from each other can be stressful the items mentioned in this report can make the trip more enjoyable for all.
Headed to the beach? This article will tell you what you need to bring.
StressFreeFamilyTravel.com 1849 N. Wilbur Circle Mesa, AZ 85201 Paula @ StressFreeFamilyTravel.com |
