cancelling your night out
As I write this I am surrounded by snowed filled streets. We've had 3 days off school this week and two days when we simply could not get to work ourselves. Our plans for a night out for our wedding anniversary abandoned.
It made me think - what do you do if you need to cancel your night out? This week's weather is exceptional, it won't be many nights when it is the weather that keeps you home, more likely a child's illness, your exhaustion or one of you having to work late. Once you've quelled your disappointment at missing your sister's birthday party or the new Brad Pitt film, or even the parents' evening at school, you need to cancel the babysitter.
Try to give as much notice as possible: maybe offer to pay half of what you would have done if you had gone out. If the babysitter turns up I think you should pay them, they can't work that night and have kept their side of the bargain. Or arrange another date immediately (so you get a night out soon!) and your babysitter understands you are genuinely unable to go out, not just changed your mind. It is important to treat your sitter as you would want to be treated. So give them plenty of notice, round up your payment, err on the generous side, provide them with their favourite snacks or DVD.
if your babysitter really loves you, chances are your children will love her too and you want to keep them!