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Have you ever wished your children's time with their babysitter could be more than simply sitting around watching T.V. together? Author Genevieve Thiers provides some practical tips on making the most out of those babysitting hours:

 Tutor

If your child needs more than basic help in homework, you may want to find a babysitter who can help him master tough subjects. For example, many college students babysit, and you may find one who is either an education major or is studying in the subject your child is weak in. Or even a bright high school student can help teach your child basic grammar or math skills. Just be sure to pay your babysitter extra if you expect her to tutor.

 Personal Assistant

If your sitter is willing, and you are able to compensate her for the increased workload, consider utilizing your babysitter for errands or home organization projects. She might even be available to help at an upcoming party you are hosting.

 Housesitter

If you have developed a trust for your babysitter, consider having her check on your house while you are out of town. She can simply stop by to feed the dogs, or to pick up the mail. Or in a combination with the "personal assistant" role, perhaps you are in town, but need something picked up from your home or something checked on, and your babysitter could stop by the house for you.

 In addition to these above and beyond babysitter roles (which in most cases would warrant extra pay), encourage your babysitter to make the most of her time with your children. If she is already playing board games with them or watching T.V. with them, purchase some educational games they can play together or science videos they can watch. If your babysitter cooks dinner, encourage her to let your children help so they can learn some basic cooking skills. If they spend time in the backyard, buy a science kit to help your children learn about bugs, birds, rocks or plants. So stop and think about what your children do during their babysitting hours and try to make the most of them.

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