How to build a strong relationship with your babysitter – tips for a successful partnership

2026-09-21 12:41

A good relationship between your family and your babysitter helps everyone feel comfortable and secure — especially your child. When communication is open, expectations are clear, and your babysitter feels at ease in your home, it becomes much easier to build a positive and lasting relationship.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it’s the small, everyday things that make the biggest difference. Here are our most important tips.

1. Be clear about what matters to your family

Your babysitter won’t know all of your family’s routines and preferences from the start, so take some time to explain what is important to you and your child.

This might include:

Mealtimes and bedtime routines
Pick-ups and drop-offs
Screen time
Activities and other important routines
Allergies or any medical information your babysitter needs to know

At the same time, try not to give too many instructions all at once. Start with the essentials and give your babysitter time to become familiar with your family’s routines.

2. Help your babysitter feel comfortable in your home

Looking after a child is much easier when you feel comfortable and confident in your surroundings.

When your babysitter first starts, show her around your home and point out where she can find anything she may need, such as your child’s clothes, nappies, food, toys and first-aid supplies.

If there is any equipment she will need to use — such as a bottle warmer, pushchair or anything else specific to your household — show her how it works.

Small practical details can make a big difference and help your babysitter feel confident and independent from the beginning.

3. Agree on how you would like to communicate

Every family has different preferences when it comes to communication during babysitting. Some parents appreciate a quick message or photo, while others prefer an update when they get home.

If you have a younger child, you may want to know when they have eaten or slept.

There is no single right way to do this. What matters is that both you and your babysitter know what to expect.

4. Give feedback — including when things are going well

You don’t need to wait until something feels wrong to talk about how things are going.

If there is something you would like your babysitter to do differently, try to be clear and specific. Small adjustments are usually much easier to make when they are discussed early.

At the same time, remember to mention the things that are going particularly well. Perhaps your child is excited to tell you about an activity they did together, or you have noticed that your babysitter has found a great way to handle a particular routine.

Positive feedback matters too. Feeling appreciated helps create an open, comfortable and constructive relationship.

5. Give your babysitter space to build her own relationship with your child

It’s natural to want to help, especially in the beginning. But for your child and babysitter to get to know each other properly, they also need the opportunity to develop their own way of spending time together.

This can be especially important if you work from home. If your child knows that Mum or Dad is just in the next room, it can sometimes be harder for the babysitter to take the lead and establish her own routines with your child.

Once you feel comfortable with your babysitter, try to give her space to handle everyday situations and activities independently, within the boundaries you have agreed on together.

Your babysitter needs the opportunity to build her own relationship with your child, while still knowing that you are available if needed.

6. Show trust and let your babysitter take initiative

Clear expectations are important, but within those boundaries, your babysitter should also have room to use her experience and judgement.

This could be as simple as letting her:

Choose an activity for the day
Take your child to the playground
Pick out a book your child enjoys
Adjust plans depending on your child’s mood and energy levels

When a babysitter feels trusted, it becomes easier for her to take responsibility, stay engaged and develop a natural relationship with your child.

7. Check in from time to time

Children grow, routines change, and your family’s needs may look different after a few months. That’s why it’s helpful to check in with your babysitter occasionally and ask how things are going from her perspective and whether there is anything she would like to discuss.

It doesn’t need to be a formal conversation. A quick check-in every now and then is often enough to address small questions before they become bigger issues.

8. Remember that a good working relationship goes both ways

A good relationship with your babysitter isn’t only about what your family expects from her. Your babysitter should also feel respected, appreciated and comfortable in her work.

A few simple things can make a big difference:

✓ Stick to the times you have agreed on

✓ Let your babysitter know about changes as early as possible

✓ Respect her working hours

✓ Ask whether she is available rather than assuming she will be

✓ Show your appreciation when things are going well

Mutual respect is one of the most important foundations of a positive and long-lasting working relationship.

A good relationship takes time

It is completely normal for a new babysitter to need some time to get to know your child, understand your family’s routines and become comfortable with how things work in your home.

Clear communication, trust and occasional check-ins can help the relationship develop naturally over time.

The goal is simple: for your child, your family and your babysitter to feel comfortable, secure and happy with the arrangement.

As a Barnakademin client, you are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about working with your babysitter. We are happy to offer advice and support.

{$te}

If things are still not working as you had hoped after discussing the situation with your babysitter and trying to find a solution, you may also find our article “When things aren’t working with your Babysitter — What can you Do?” helpful.

Send us an email if you need help finding a babysitter, or give us a call on 08-517 831 43.