Tag Archives: Babysitters
Babysitters
These babysitting tips can help your child adjust to the arrival of a new sitter. Whether you’ve moved to a new home, lost your old sitter to college or simply need a replacement for a night when your regular sitter is busy, you need to recognize that this can be source of anxiety and fear for your child. The new sitter is a stranger, and your child could be confused about how to behave. Preparing your child ahead of time is the best way to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Information:
Children do not like to feel left out, so being surprised by the arrival of the babysitter can make them upset. Be up front with your child about when you are going out and how long you expect to be gone. It is essential to be upbeat about their upcoming “adventure” with the babysitter.
Time:
Some children are slow to warm up to people or just plain shy. In order to make the transition to the new sitter a smooth one, it’s good to arrange to have your babysitter spend some time with your child while you are still home. If your sitter cannot come over for a separate visit, have her arrive at least a half an hour before you leave so your child can interact with her while you are still home. This will allow both your child and the sitter to get comfortable with each other.
Involvement :
Have your child help prepare for the sitter’s visit. Your child can select special toys or games to play with the sitter. It is also fun to have your child help shop for special snacks for their time with the babysitter. If kids are older, they can help prepare emergency contact information. Older children can also plan activities to do with the sitter, like watching a movie, playing a game or a craft project.
