One of the most stressful things for new parents is leaving their child at home with a babysitter. More than one mom-and-dad’s night out has been ruined by the anxiety that comes from worrying about how your child is doing with the babysitter. Fortunately, there are somethings that you can do to prepare your child to be left with a babysitter.

If your child is particularly apprehensive, you can do a trial run. Hire your babysitter to come and watch your child while you are home. Stay nearby but out of immediate sight, such as in a den, bedroom, or office. Explain to your child that you will be in the house, but that she should go to the babysitter for anything that she needs for the next hour or so. This also gives you an opportunity to observe your babysitter’s skills.

It is also important to be confident with your child about the babysitter. If you are nervous and apprehensive about leaving them with a babysitter, they will also be nervous and apprehensive. Display your trust in the babysitter, so that your children can trust her too.

You should also try to be upbeat with your child about the babysitter. If you are sad and act as though you will never see your little one again, she will pick up on it. On the other hand, if you are casual about it or sneak off while she’s involved in an activity, this can create other problems. Instead, smile and hug your child; explain to her that you will be out for a while, but that when you get home you will come into their room while they are sleeping and give them a goodnight kiss. Make it a cheerful and quick goodbye.

Try to make time with the babysitter a fun time. Talk with the child and the babysitter ahead of time about some of the fun things that they can do together, such as playing games. The excitement about having play time with the babysitter can lessen your little one’s anxiety about not having you around for a short time.

Posted in Child Care Issues

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