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Every now and then, mom and dad just need a break.
Parenting is hard, stressful work. Setting date nights and maintaining a social life away from the children is important for parents to keep a strong focus on their relationship.
Parents' time away also makes for fresher, healthier relationships with their children .
For new parents, this can be an anxious start.
The most important factor is to make certain your children are in the best possible care, with a responsible baby sitter you trust. Here are some steps to identify good sitter prospects and to establish the best relationship for your family:
Word of mouth is the best way to identify good baby sitters.
Talk with friends, co-workers or folks in your place of worship for recommendations .
Arrange personal interviews with the top candidates. Invite them to the house to learn the environment, meet and interact with your children and have a more extensive conversation.
Babysitting is a real job, so be clear with sitters about the assignment, including the schedule and activities.
The Red Cross provides baby-sitter training courses for young people ages 11-up, teaching the skills and instruction every parent wants in a responsible sitter. Parents of children in this age range should consider this course so they're prepared them for this important role.
For more information about the seven-hour course, contact the Red Cross at (901) 726-1690, or look on the Web at midsouthredcross.org.
Barbara Holden is a director at the Urban Child Institute, a Greater Memphis organization dedicated to promoting early childhood development.
The Commercial Appeal is a partner with the Urban Child Institute in this effort to help parents learn skills that nurture and educate infants and children. For more information, go to theurbanchildinstitute.org or dial 211 for the Public Library and Information Center.
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