💬 How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Babysitter
So, you’ve booked a sitter… but your mini human doesn’t know it yet.
Cue the questions.
“Who’s coming over?” “Why can’t you stay?” “Do they like dinosaurs?”
First-time babysits aren’t just a big step for you — they’re a whole new adventure for your little one, too.
And a little prep goes a long way in making it smooth, calm, and (dare we say) fun.
🧸 Step 1: Talk About It Early (But Keep It Casual)
Kids are mini sponges — they pick up on everything. So if you’re anxious, they’ll sniff it out faster than a snack wrapper opening.
Mention the sitter a few days before the big night:
“Ella’s coming over on Friday to hang out while Mum and Dad go out for dinner.”
Keep it light. Keep it positive.
If they’re old enough, show them a picture of their sitter (we can share one!) or tell a fun story:
“Ella loves drawing and knows all the words to the Bluey theme song.”
Instant friend points.
🪁 Step 2: Involve Them in the Prep
Let your child help set the stage.
It gives them ownership and makes the sitter’s arrival feel like their event — not something happening to them.
Easy ideas:
Let them pick a game or book to show the sitter.
Ask them what snack they’d like to share.
Have them draw a “welcome” picture.
Kids love to feel like hosts — and honestly, it melts every sitter’s heart.
💚 Step 3: Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet
Here’s the golden rule: confidence is contagious.
If you linger, your little one thinks, “Uh oh, something’s wrong.”
If you say goodbye like it’s the best thing ever, they’ll match your energy.
Try:
“Have the best night with Ella! We’ll see you soon!”
Then walk out like a pro. No sneaky exits, no dramatic hugs — just calm, happy vibes.
(We’ve had parents tear up in the driveway. Totally fine. That’s what sunglasses are for.)
🧠 Step 4: Build Trust Over Time
The first babysit isn’t just about childcare — it’s about confidence-building for everyone involved.
That’s why our Sit Happens sitters:
Read your kid’s vibe and go at their pace.
Stick to their normal bedtime routine.
Stay calm and consistent.
The more familiar they become, the easier every future sit gets. Soon your child will be asking when their sitter’s coming back (and yes, that stings a little — but in the best way).
🌙 Step 5: Keep the Conversation Going
After your night out, check in with your child:
“What games did you play?”
“What did you and Ella do after dinner?”
They’ll probably say “nothing,” but watch their face — that smile says it all.
Reinforce that you always come back. That sense of safety is gold.
💬 Bonus Tip: Normalise Babysitters as Part of Their World
Whether you’re in Geelong, Armstrong Creek, or Mount Duneed, think of babysitters as bonus grown-ups — friendly faces who bring new energy and care into your child’s world.
Your child learns independence. You get adult time. Everyone wins.
🎉 Ready to Book That First Sit?
Our Sit Happens babysitters are more than just child-minders — they’re the extra set of eyes, ears, and heart that help families thrive.
👉 [Book Your First Sit Session → /book]
👉 [Join the Waitlist for Geelong Families → /waitlist]
👉 [Meet Our Legends (aka Sitters) → /meet-our-legends]
Because when we say we give a sit, we mean we give your family peace, connection, and confidence. 💚