10 ways to prepare kids for a new nanny or babysitter

Children and parents may gain value from the arrival of a new nanny or babysitter. A new face generally means different routines and unfamiliar expectations, and thus for your child anxiety surfaces. However, proper planning as well as thought in communication helps make the process smoother. Preparations made in advance for this and soothing all that is in their mind during events will ensure you make them feel secure with this newcomer.

Here Are 10 Workable Tips To Prepare Your Child For A New Nanny Or Babysitter:

If you want to prepare your kids for a new nanny or babysitter, you can get great help from the following tips.

Talk With Your Child About the New Nanny Early

Children often live for routine and predictability. So, sudden changes to their usual environment, such as the change of caregiver when a new nanny or babysitter is being hired, could be unsettling. It is best done early. Discuss it with your child in a casual and composed manner to give your child time to absorb the concept. Do not make it a last-minute shock. Pre-talk to them a few days before the nanny comes.

Explain simply to them, "We have a new babysitter coming soon, and she will help out when I'm not there. She loves to read and play games, just like you." This provides your child with some preparation about what will happen in your absence, which minimizes the unknown and some level of anxiety from it. Letting them know in advance is giving them mental space to process the change.

Hold a Meet-and-Greet

The initial meeting can be confusing for children. Meeting her briefly a week or a day before the onset is a great idea to orient your child with the new nanny. This casual approach in your home—familiar territory—is less stressful because if you were to leave right now, it may be quite shocking for your little one.

You may also be able to facilitate the interaction a bit by asking your child to take the nanny and show her his favourite toys or his favourite things, for example, puzzles. "Hey, go show her your puzzles. I bet she would love to see how fast you can solve them," you might say when the nanny arrives. This kind of icebreaker helps your child be in charge of the encounter and will allow him to develop comfort and increase confidence.

Create a Positive Vibe by Talking about Fun Activities

In this way, kids are likely to embrace change if met at their level and made to connect with fun. An effective way of getting the child excited about the new nanny is to discuss the fun activities she is going to have with the new nanny. You can casually talk about these plans as such: "When that new nanny comes over, you guys are going to bake cookies, go out and play outside, or work on your arts and crafts." This will set your child up to change from focusing on worrying about the change to focusing on the fun they will have, thus making the adjustment time easier.

Presenting the new nanny as a person who would bring fun and exciting experiences instead of someone who just managed affairs while you are away might help shift your child's focus from dreading your leave to beginning some form of new adventure.

Give Your Child Some Sense of Control

Trying to provide a sense of control will in itself limit your child's anxiety during the transition process. Ask them how their day has been or let them decide how they want to introduce their home and child to the new nanny. In this way, you are giving them a sense of control over the situation, and they will feel more empowered. You can say, "You can show her around where the toys are, and perhaps tell her about your favorite books." You will be surprised how that makes a difference in how your child feels about such an arrangement.

Also, if your child is of an appropriate age, you can include them as a decision-maker regarding the daily plan with the nanny; for example, you could vote over two activities. A simple choice such as, "Do you want to go to the park first or bake cookies first?" makes them feel included without making them feel too responsible at times.

Make Your Child Aware That the Rules Don't Change

Kids fear the worst: a new boss will bring in his new rules or no rules at all. Let your child know that even though someone is new to him, the rules will not be any different. Whether it's TV time, bedtime routines, or chores, consistency is key to making things easier.

You can support this by saying, "Even though I'm not here, the same rules apply. You'll still need to clean up your toys before dinner and brush your teeth before bed." It reminds them the nanny will be there for the same reason as before, which is care and support, not a change in routine, so it becomes stabilizing and reassuring to your child that they will receive wonderful care when you are not with them.

Explain What They Can Expect from the Nanny

Expectations as to what is expected of the nanny, in terms of her responsibility, should be set right. Make your child understand how much of playing with her is acceptable, make sure that she adheres to the rules of the house, and take proper care of her, as you do. This way, there would not be that much confusion as regards what role she is playing in her life.

For example, you could say, "She's going to help you get ready for dinner, and then you will play for a little while before bed. She will read you a story, just like I do." Ahead of an outgoing nanny, your child will know what is happening.

Involve the Nanny in Your Child’s Routine

Children like routines so much, so it is essential that the new nanny learns and goes along with the established routine. Spend some time with the nanny before her first day with your child, running her through the routine: mealtimes, nap times, playtime, and bedtime ritual. Engaging your child in this discussion will also help them internalize it: nothing important is changing in their life.

You can include your child in this conversation by saying, "Can you show her where we keep your favourite bedtime story? That way she'll know what to read tonight." This makes your child feel involved and consoles them knowing that the nanny will stick to the routine he is accustomed to.

Arrange a Special "First Day" Plan Together

You want to plan a good first day for the nanny- doing something fun, and lighthearted- whether you take her to the park, play some games at home, or work on a craft project together. Doing fun things together will help your child associate the nanny with pleasant things.

For instance, you can do something interesting like baking or even creating art. Then, let the nanny oversee a bit of the activity. You could start with something like, "We will bake cookies, and then the nanny will help you complete the decoration on those." This way, you'll make a good transition of tasks, and you can spend quality time bonding with the nanny about an activity.

Let Them Know You Still Care

Children might feel anxious when separated from their parents, especially since they are now being taken care of by a stranger. Encourage your child that you will always be available for them when they feel the need to talk or feel uncomfortable; remind them that it does not matter if you are not with them since you are not out of reach when they need you.

You can say, "I'll call you to check in and see how things are going, and if you need me, the nanny can help you call me." This little kindness goes a long way in comforting the child that you're always reachable even when you're not there.

Check-In After the First Day

You should make time to speak to your child about what the nanny did on her first day. Ask them what they liked and something that may have brought discomfort to them. Listening to the comments of your child is a good idea to react to potential issues as early as possible so that things do not begin to go sour with the new nanny.

For instance, you might say, "What was your favourite part of the day with the nanny? Is there something you didn't like?" It opens a communication line and makes your child feel heard.

Conclusion

It is very thoughtful to prepare your child for a new nanny or babysitter; you prepare them through preparation, communicate with the child and reassure him before you leave. At the end of everything, everything you have prepared will always pay off since the child will feel secure, happy, and comfortable with his new nanny.