1. Health

What My Baby Sitter Didn't Do

Reader Stories: Babysitter Stories

From Alice

Updated April 28, 2010

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What Happened While You Were Gone? 

My babysitter did not understand that my child could identify when she needed her rescue inhaler. She thought that her very bad cough was just a cold and did not realize my child was getting worse. I eventually got a phone call and could hear her in distress in the background.

What Did The Babysitter Do? 

The babysitter did not recognize that my child was in distress or believe when she said she needed her medication. I think I talked about wheezing and retractions, but did not discuss cough. I think I told her that she knows when she needs meds, but I guess I was not clear enough.

Lessons Learned 

  • I educate my babysitter more and then make them tell me everything back so that I know they understand.
  • I make sure the babysitter knows that if my child says they need their medication they get it (less of a problem because my child now can give the medication herself).
  • I send my child to asthma camp every summer and try to get counselors/ staff as babysitters.
  • I try to use the same couple of babysitters that have cared for my daughter over and over.

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