Leaving Children for a Weekend Getaway
How to Plan a Successful Overnighter for Kids and Their Caregivers
Sep 16, 2009
Romantic accommodations are booked. Suitcases are packed. It's time to head out for that long-awaited weekend getaway. But what about the kids? Are they ready for Mom and Dad to leave? Is the babysitter prepared? Will Mom be too worried to relax and enjoy herself?
With some advanced preparations and creative planning, parents can ease anxiety for themselves and their children. Caregivers and their young charges will appreciate a well-stocked home, a detailed scheduled and some fun, structured activities while parents are away. Parents will be able to relax and enjoy their vacation knowing that they have prepared wisely.
Preparing the Home for a Babysitter
Mothers and fathers can start by getting the house ready for caregivers. This can include:
- stocking the pantry and refrigerator with easy-to-prepare, kid-preferred foods
- leaving a list of favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas
- labeling and leaving instructions for any medications needed
- making a comfortable space for the sitter to stay, including clean linens and towels
- leaving instructions for complicated television and stereo systems, computer passwords, garage key-pad codes and security systems
Sitters appreciate knowing where to find flashlights, bandages and pain relievers. Since many appliances vary, it can be helpful to demonstrate the washing machine or baby bottle sanitizer. If children need a special blanket or stuffed animal, parents should be sure to let caregivers know where to locate such important items.
Making a Schedule for Kids and Caregivers
Leaving a daily schedule is key to ensuring continuity for children and peace of mind for babysitters. Start by mapping out the day into chunks: Wake Up Routine, Mealtime Routine, Bathtime Routine. Then add specific details to the schedule: At 10:00 a.m., Jason has soccer practice. Please help him find his cleats, ball and water bottle. He will be playing on the North Park field.
Posting a simplified version of the schedule on the refrigerator for children to follow is helpful. Adding pictures for non-readers helps even the littlest ones know what is expected. Children will be reassured if they can countdown to the day of their parents' return. A calendar with boxes to cross out is a good visual timekeeper. Or parents can make a countdown chain so kids can cut off a link each day until Mom and Dad come home.
Planning Activities
Keeping children busy will ease the babysitter's load and help the kids enjoy their weekend, too. Younger kids will be distracted by the novelty of soap bubbles, fresh play dough, or sidewalk chalk. School age children like science projects or recipes they can handle on their own. Parents can leave a bag of ingredients and a list of instructions. Babysitters will appreciate the advanced planning.
A small gift-wrapped package to open each day can be a fun treat to help children who may be missing Mom and Dad. Inexpensive toys, water balloons, fingernail polish, DVD's, card games or even money for pizza and ice cream will keep children happily distracted while parents enjoy their weekend getaway.
Caregivers, children and parents will all enjoy the weekend with a bit of advanced preparation, a schedule and some fun activities.
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