Getting your kids off to a great start with a new babysitter will keep them happy. It will improve your peace of mind when you need to be away from home. Try the following steps with your kids and a new sitter to help everyone enjoy a smooth transition.
1Bid A Warm Goodbye To Your Old Sitter
If your kids have grown close to a previous babysitter who is departing for college or other reasons, help them say goodbye. It will make the transition more comfortable. You can have a simple celebration with cake or let your kids pick out a small gift.
2Praise The New Sitter
Your children will be sensitive to how you feel about your new sitter. Convey your confidence and good impressions. Tell them some interesting facts that you learned during the interview process, like whether they do magic tricks or have ever won a bicycle race.
3Help Your Kids Look Forward To Meeting The New Sitter
Talk up the whole experience. Show them some pictures of their new caregiver. Count down the days to when they’ll meet in person.
4Let Your Kids Play Host
Give your children a role in providing an orientation for your new hire. Kids can give them a tour of the house, introduce any pets, and explain their own bedtime routine. It’s a great way to break the ice and help your children develop poise and good manners.
5Plan Some Special Activities
Help their first time together go smoothly by arranging some activities that your little ones and their new sitter can enjoy. Get a movie that will appeal to both children and adults. You could try a classic old comedy or animated films that are popular with all ages, like one of the Toy Story movies.
Order your kid’s favorite takeout food and let them eat pizza or tacos for dinner. It will simplify one task and make the evening feel festive. Put out some craft supplies. Make it easy for your kids and their new sitter to interact. Crafts are especially good for children who tend to need some time to get comfortable talking with new people; in addition, they can show off their creativity.
6Ask Your New Sitter To Arrive Early
It’s usually a good idea for a new sitter to arrive about an hour before you plan to go out. This gives you plenty of time to make introductions. You can also stay in the next room while your kids and the new sitter start getting to know each other.
7Provide The Necessary Contact Information And Review The House Rules
Give your sitter a list of important contact numbers to reach you. Educate the sitter on how to handle emergencies. Ensure that they understand all the household routines, like the alarm system, bedtime, and any limits on visitors and television viewing.
8Make A Check-In Call
About an hour after you depart, call home. This way, you can confirm that everything is okay. It will make it easy for your sitter to ask you any questions that may come up.
9Do A Debriefing
Have a chat with your new sitter at the end of the evening. It’s valuable to get their impressions. This way, you can consider any improvements you might want to make in your arrangements with them or future babysitters.
When your new sitter and your kids hit it off, you can relax, knowing that they’re safe. Choose wisely when hiring someone to look after your children. Give them all the support they need to do a good job.
Arlene Garretson is a proud resident of Daytona Beach, Florida, mother, and author. When she isn't writing about self-help, she enjoys hiking and photography: a great combination.
