Health & Fitness
New Babysitter Jitters
Introducing your child to a "new" sitter can sometimes be a little jittery.
New beginnings are important for children and the more sans-souci your "date night" routine is the better. Say "so long" to tedious and teary eyed goodbyes and "hello" to a worry free night out. Isn't this the whole point of "Date Nights" anyway?
The following pointers can help your child feel more confident when meeting a new sitter.
If you know your new sitter is coming over on Saturday, start talking about her with the kids (and how much fun they are going to have) on Wednesday. Tell them how old the sitter is or what sports or instruments she played in college. "Maybe you guys can order a pizza or play Wii Dance Party 3 that night?!"
Find out what's happening in Winnetka-Glencoewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Ask a new sitter to arrive a few minutes early so that everyone can get to know each other. It is important to express confidence in your sitter as children take ques from their parents. "Mary Poppins is in charge tonight guys, so please make her feel like a special guest in our home."
Pick up a copy of Glen Goose, There's a Babysitter on the Loose by Cindy G. Foust and read it with your little ones before your new sitter arrives. The book illustrates the humorous side to having a babysitter in the house.
Find out what's happening in Winnetka-Glencoewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Finally, remember that while you are gone they are sure to be having a blast (yes, playing Wii a little longer than they should or staying up slightly past their usual bedtime). So enjoy your well-deserved night out (they will call you if they need you) and know that the next time the new sitter comes back to your house, she won't be "new" anymore.
As a lifelong Winnetka resident, Bridget combines her versatile experiences as a professional nanny for over 15 years, expert in juvenile diabetes and now Nanny-Family Liaison for Nanny Boutique to launch Date Night Boutique to the North Shore. Date Night Boutique is a luxury service providing professional sitters for all of your date night, late night,overnight, petsitting and housesitting needs. Please contact Bridget for more information.
Bridget McManus www.nannyboutique.com bridget@nannyboutique.com 773-706-4889
