Going Out Again: Preschoolers and New Babysitters

Leaving a child with a new sitter can be a harrowing experience. Here are a few tips for making the transition easier for everyone.

• Introduce your child to the sitter before the first babysitting experience so that everyone can get to know each other and your child can develop a comfort level with someone new.
• Encourage a new sitter to give your child a little space. Make sure the sitter doesn't overwhelm your child by immediately picking them up.
• For the first few times with a new sitter, have them arrive 30-60 minutes early to allow enough transition time.
• Leave detailed instructions with your sitter so that he or she can feel relaxed - rules, food, routines, favourite toys and stories, emergency contact numbers, etc.
• Leave your child with a fun project to do with the sitter.
• Give your child the task of teaching the sitter something new. For example, "Tracey doesn't know how to play that game, can you show her how?"  This will not only give your child a sense of pride and importance, but a feeling of power in a situation where he or she may otherwise feel powerless.
• Until your child is comfortable with the new sitter, have them stay in familiar territory - at home, a favourite park, etc.
• Always say goodbye! Resist the urge to sneak out even if your child is happily playing. Sneaking out will only make your child feel insecure.
• Avoid long goodbyes. Tell your child what you are doing and when you will be home followed by a hug, kiss and an "I love you".
• If your child cries, stay calm, reassuring and upbeat. And if needed, keep those first few outings short.
• When you get back, talk to your child after the babysitting experience. Ask them what they did, whether they had fun, etc.

By Rochelle Strauss