We're having a going away party tomorrow night and my mom is the normal go-to babysitter.. well because it's our last hoorah before we move to Washington they're obviously going to be there. I'm having my 19 year old cousin babysit my 2 1/2 year old and 8 week old, she watches her sisters three (hellions) kids (around the same age) so she's more than capable.. My daughter has never had a babysitter before, it's our cousin so she's vaguely familiar with her and really familiar with the house she'll be staying at.. it's only going to be for like 5 hours or so and I've talked to her about it.. "Tomorrow we're going to meme's then you get to go play with Breann while mommy and daddy go somewhere, brother will be there and you can play with all the toys!" and she seems excited, I'm going to send her with all her favorite toys but is there anything else I can do to make it easy for her? I think she'll be okay but I'd like to get some tips on what you guys might do using a new sitter (I guess it's a little better it's family and she knows her)... We are going to hang out for about 30 minutes before we leave, is it better to let her go into the playroom and then just leave or explain we'll be back to pick her up and say bye?? TIA!
Don't just leave!! What a terrible message to send! She needs to trust you, and she won't if you just disappear! Even if it is hard for her to seperate, let her say goodbye and express her feelings without feeling abandoned. Or she will never let you out of her sight again.
Let her see you leave-if you sneak out or leave while she is out of the room-it will be bad-and you may have a difficult regaining her trust. Even if she cries when you leave-which I suspect she won't-it will not last.
She'll be fine. Make sure you say good-bye. It's very important for kids to learn that Mommy says goodbye, but she always returns. It's a trust thing. Enjoy your time out!
It is important to say bye to her and make sure she knows that you are leaving. But once you do so, don't drag it out - do it short and sweet and matter-of-fact. This will actually make it less stressful for her. Definitely, no sneaking out - she will lose trust in you anytime she can't see you. Just don't make too big a deal of it to her and she won't think much of it.
It will be fine, as I'm sure you know. But as mamma to almost 2 year old, I know how you're feeling!
I would be quick with the good-bye, but I'd say it. I'd bring just some toys. Let her pack a special "go visiting" bag. Let her put in a blanket, a few toys and you include things she might need, like cups, snacks, drinks and spare clothes.
As the others have said. Make sure you say goodbye, and make the goodbye quick. No hanging on, soothing, etc. She'll be just fine.
And show no anxiety about leaving.
She will be fine. But I would not just leave. You need to let her know you are leaving. If she gets upset give her hugs and tell her you love her and make sure your cousin is ok with her at that point and leave. Some kids get upset but are fine 5 mins later. But if you leave and she dosn't know you've gone once she realizes could get upset.
Have fun!!!
We started sitters when our daughter was very young and had a teen sitter every week for date night. Lucky you to have family around!! We lucked out with a family who had 4 girls and everyone of those girls sat for us. As 1 left for college, a sister would step in.. It was great.
Make it an adventure for her to "show" her favorite toys to the sitter, play games, etc. She can "help" care for her baby brother.
I'm sure your cousin is qualified and will be able to redirect her if needed.
I personally am not a fan of distracting a child then running out the door. I don't like the message that sends to the child. I always told daughter goodbye but then again, this was routine for her.
Go enjoy yourself.. She is in a familiar environment with someone she knows... she'll be fine.
I am worried as well, the only babysitter my children have ever had was my SIL. They love her. They even like to stay the night with her as well. She is not available for an upcoming company event. So we are going to use a 19 year old as well, stranger to the kids. Highly recommended by 2 other moms at the pre-school and has excellent reviews and word of mouth. I am still scared, I am going to not enjoy the event I know it. So I am getting them prepared. Its only 2 hours for pete sake, but I am still worried. Am here to see answers you get as well.
