How to Prepare Your Child for a New Babysitter

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Talk about the visit ahead of time

Tell your child who is coming, when the sitter will arrive and when you expect to return. Use calm, age-appropriate language. Avoid presenting the sitter as a threat or punishment.

Arrange an introduction

When possible, schedule a brief meeting or paid trial before a longer visit. Let the child show the sitter a favorite toy, book or activity while a parent remains nearby. Watch how the sitter listens and responds, and invite questions about the routine. Familiar materials work well; there is no need to buy something new for the introduction.

Keep routines familiar

Prepare familiar food, pajamas and bedtime items. Write down the usual schedule but give the sitter reasonable flexibility. Explain comfort strategies, fears and words a young child uses for important needs.

Make the goodbye clear

Do not disappear without saying goodbye. A short, confident farewell helps children understand that the parent is leaving and returning. Prolonged uncertainty may make separation harder.

Check in afterward

Ask open questions about the visit and listen without suggesting answers. Also ask the sitter what went smoothly and what was difficult. Use that information to improve the next arrangement.

Try a simple introduction script

“This is [sitter's name]. She will play with you and help with dinner while I am out. I will come back after bedtime. You can show her your favorite book.” Adjust the words to your child's age and tell the truth about timing. If a child has a communication difference or strong separation anxiety, share the words and comfort routine that work in your family rather than relying on a generic script.

Give the sitter a bridge into the routine

Choose one familiar activity that starts while you are still home: a puzzle, picture book or simple snack. Let the sitter lead it for a few minutes. Show where extra clothes, water and comfort objects live. Explain any rules about kosher food, pets, screen time or touching the pool gate. A new toy is optional; a predictable sequence and a caregiver who listens are more useful.

Plan for the child who is upset

Some children cry at the handoff even when the arrangement is safe. Agree in advance on when the sitter should send an update and when persistent distress warrants a parent call. Do not promise that crying will stop in a particular number of minutes. If the child has had difficult experiences with caregivers, consider shorter visits with a parent nearby until trust develops.

What to ask when you return

Ask the sitter what activity held the child's attention, what instructions were missing and whether meals or bedtime changed. Ask the child open questions such as “What did you do together?” without pressing for a positive answer. Use the next visit to improve a specific transition, not to repeat the whole introduction from scratch. For activity ideas, see our screen-free menu.