Hitting the road with your kiddos can be a fun adventure, filled with opportunities to create lasting memories as a family. It’s a fantastic chance for everyone to bond and experience new places together. However, even the most devoted parents sometimes need a little break, whether to enjoy a night out on vacation or focus on an event without distractions. That’s where having a babysitter can come in handy! If you’re worried about how your child will adjust to having a babysitter while you’re away, don’t worry! Here are some tips to help prepare your little one for this new experience.
Familiarize Your Child with the New Environment
Imagine how your child feels when they arrive in a new place. Being away from the familiar comforts of home can be a bit overwhelming. One of the best ways to ease this transition is to spend some quality time with them in their new surroundings before introducing a babysitter. Take a little walk together around your hotel, rental, or the home of a friend or family member. Let them explore, ask questions, and begin to feel at ease in this new environment. By doing this, you’re helping them build a connection to the space, which can make leaving them with a sitter a lot easier. When planning your trip, remember to carve out some acclimation time for you and your child. It’ll be worth it for both of you!
Have a Meet-and-Greet with Your Babysitter
While your child might be excited by traveling, new environments can also be challenging for children. Adding a new babysitter into the mix in an unfamiliar place could be stressful for your child. To make the transition easier for them, it’s a great idea to introduce them to their babysitter before you head out on your adventures. Having that familiar face can help ease any anxiety your child might feel.
If you’re bringing a babysitter from home, set aside time for a fun meet-and-greet before your trip. If you’re hiring someone local at your destination, arrange a little get-together where your child can spend time with the sitter while you’re there, too. Pick a calm environment where they can get comfortable together—perhaps a quiet park or a cozy café. You could even bring some games or fun icebreaker activities to help them bond. This way, your child will feel more at ease and secure with their new caregiver. You’ll be grateful for your peace of mind while away, knowing your child is comfortable and having fun!
Set Clear Expectations
We can all get nervous in unfamiliar situations–but these nerves can be heightened for kids. To help ease their worries, it’s a great idea to chat with them about what to expect. Before leaving your child with a babysitter, take a moment to talk through the details. Let them know where you’re headed, how long you’ll be gone, and what fun activities they’ll do with their babysitter.
It’s also helpful to explain any unique rules or boundaries that might be important in this new environment that haven’t come up at home. If you are away for a while, consider a quick video call to check in. Hearing your familiar voice can settle any nerves they might be feeling.
Bring a Comfort Bag
When traveling with kids, bringing along some familiar items to make them feel more at home is super helpful. This is a great tip for traveling with kids in general, but it’s especially helpful when your kiddo will spend time with a new babysitter at your destination. Consider packing a fun little bag filled with your child’s favorite things—like stuffed animals, art supplies, small games, and some yummy snacks. Having these comforting items on hand can help your child feel more at ease in a new environment. Plus, it gives the babysitter some great activities to keep your little one entertained and happy!
Maintain Your Child’s Routine
When traveling with your little ones, keeping their routines in place can help them feel more comfortable in new surroundings. Share these routines with your babysitter before you leave. If your child has a special bedtime routine or favorite snacks, pass that information along. Familiar habits can make all the difference in helping your child feel settled while you’re away.
Find a Babysitter While Traveling with Jovie!
Are you planning a trip out of town and wondering about childcare? Look no further! Jovie is here to help you find the perfect babysitter. We have an incredible network of trusted caregivers across the U.S., so no matter where your adventures take you, you can easily find a sitter who fits your needs. Jovie conducts thorough background and reference checks on all our babysitters, giving you peace of mind and one less thing to worry about before your trip. You deserve some well-deserved kid-free time to relax and enjoy! Whether it’s for a dinner date, a meeting, or just some solo time to explore, find a reliable babysitter at your destination with Jovie today!
