For Sitters: Food Interview Checklist

You're trying to feed me WHAT? Mom and Dad wouldn't be too happy about that...

You might not be preparing every single meal for your charges, but all babysitters and nanies need to know these very important food-related issues before they head into a job.

Eating Habits

• How would you describe your children's appetites?
• Have any of your children ever refused to eat?
• What should I do if they refuse to eat anything?
• Do you have any particular policy on giving your kids second helpings?

Snacks

• Do you have a kids' cabinet/pantry of approved snacks?
• How many snacks do you usually give your children each day?
• What times of the day do you allow your children to have snacks?
• Are any times of the day off-limits for snacks (right before bed, for example)?
• What snacks do you allow and what do you forbid?

Food Preparation

• Do you typically prepare the kids' meals before I arrive, or will you need me to do so?
• Are you kids on any medications that need to be taken with food?
• Do you have any particular lifestyle restrictions that affect food/diets (vegan, raw foods, kosher, etc.)?

Restrictions and Expectations

• Will you need me to control food during playgroup situations?
• Do you have any allowed or restricted ingredients for your kids?
• Do you engage in calorie-counting or weighing your kids, and will I need to do so?
• Will you need me to complete a food log while you are gone?

Allergies and Safety

• Do your children have any known allergies?
• Which food cause an allergic reaction?
• How can I tell if your child is experiencing an allergic reaction?
• What steps should I take if your child experiences an allergic reaction?

Fitness/Exercise

• Do your children play any sports?
• What kinds of activities do you do that keeps them active?
• Do they exercise for a certain amount of time each day?
• Are there any particular exercise games that the kids really enjoy?