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Babysitter Instructions

Parents are giving instructions to a babysitter about their child's routine, feeding, bedtime, and emergency contacts.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hi Emily, thanks again for coming over tonight. Michael and I really appreciate it!
2
Emily (Female)
No problem at all, Sarah! Happy to help. So, what's the plan for Liam this evening?
3
Michael (Male)
Alright, so Liam usually has his dinner around 6 PM. There's some mac and cheese in the fridge, just warm it up for him. After that, he likes to play with his train set until about 7:30.
4
Sarah (Female)
Right, and then it's bath time. He usually takes a quick one, maybe 10-15 minutes. After the bath, he'll want a story. We left a few books on his bedside table.
5
Emily (Female)
Got it. Dinner, playtime, bath, and then a story. What time is bedtime?
6
Michael (Male)
Bedtime is typically 8 PM. Read him two stories, and he should be good to go. He might ask for water, so his sippy cup will be on his nightstand.
7
Sarah (Female)
Oh, and if you need anything, our cell numbers are on the fridge. For emergencies, Liam's pediatrician's number is there too, right next to ours.
8
Emily (Female)
Perfect, thanks for all the details! I think I've got everything. Have a great evening out!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

appreciate

To feel grateful for something someone does for you. Use it to thank someone politely, like 'We really appreciate your help.'

plan

A schedule or arrangement for what to do. In childcare, ask 'What's the plan?' to learn about the child's routine.

dinner

The main evening meal. Common in family routines; say 'He has dinner at 6 PM' to describe schedules.

fridge

Short for refrigerator, where food is kept cold. Useful in instructions: 'The food is in the fridge.'

bath time

The time when a child takes a bath. Part of evening routines; say 'It's bath time now.' to signal the activity.

bedtime

The time a child goes to bed to sleep. Essential for parents and babysitters: 'Bedtime is 8 PM.'

story

A short tale read to children before bed. Common in routines: 'Read him a story.' to help them relax.

emergency

A sudden serious or dangerous situation. In childcare, share 'emergency contacts' like doctor numbers for safety.

pediatrician

A doctor who specializes in children's health. Useful to know: 'Call the pediatrician in emergencies.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Thanks again for coming over tonight. Michael and I really appreciate it!

This is a polite way to thank someone for help. Use it when expressing gratitude in social situations like babysitting. 'Appreciate' shows strong thanks; 'coming over' means visiting a home.

So, what's the plan for Liam this evening?

A casual question to ask about a schedule. Useful for getting details in childcare; 'what's the plan' is a common idiom for 'what are the arrangements?'

There's some mac and cheese in the fridge, just warm it up for him.

Gives simple food instructions. 'Warm it up' means heat in microwave; practical for routines. Use in babysitting to explain meals clearly.

After the bath, he'll want a story. We left a few books on his bedside table.

Describes sequence in routine using 'after' for order. 'He'll want' predicts child's need; useful for explaining bedtime steps to caregivers.

Got it. Dinner, playtime, bath, and then a story.

Shows understanding by repeating key points. 'Got it' means 'I understand'; list items with 'and then' for sequences. Great for confirming instructions.

Bedtime is typically 8 PM. Read him two stories, and he should be good to go.

States routine time with 'typically' for usual cases. 'Should be good to go' idiom means ready to sleep; use to give bedtime advice.

If you need anything, our cell numbers are on the fridge.

Provides contact info using 'if' for conditions. 'Cell numbers' means mobile phones; essential for safety in parenting exchanges.

Perfect, thanks for all the details! I think I've got everything.

Polite closing to confirm understanding. 'I've got everything' means I remember all info; use at end of instructions to show readiness.