Change can be scary for kids—so to have a new person not only come into their lives but into their house can be overwhelming. A new nanny or sitter can bring out the shyness in just about any child. But it can also be the start of a brand new, amazing adventure! Here are some great ways to help your child with the transition.
Talk About the Fun Possibilities Beforehand
During the days/weeks leading up to a new nanny coming in, talk to your kids about what will happen and why. You can use this space to ask them what they feel about it and explore why they may feel that way. Lots of times just being heard and considered can help a child feel at ease. Your eye contact, listening ear, tone, reassurance, and allowing them to give input will make them feel loved and less anxious!
Brainstorm What They Want To Show the New Nanny Ahead of Time
Kids love to show off the things they’re excited about. They can give the new nanny a grand tour of the house, where they like to play their favorite games, and tell the new nanny funny stories about things that have happened in the house. This will make the nanny’s first day less daunting for your little one (as well as the nanny!) and turn it into a day they can look forward to. Encourage them to show the nanny their room, toys, where the games are, etc.
Make A List of Things Your Child is Eager to Teach
Have a conversation with your child about what they would like the new nanny to know about them when they arrive. This can be as simple as your child’s favorite snack or as personalized as the way you fold their clothes and put them away. Reassuring that some things won’t change (what they eat, how things are put away) can go a long way in them accepting the change of a new person and eventually being excited when the nanny is coming over.
Put A Name To Your New Nanny’s Face
Try to mention the nanny’s name often (if you’ve already found one) to familiarize your child with it. Referring to the new nanny by their name will make them feel like less of a stranger to your child. Having a conversation with your child where you tell them your new nanny’s hobbies, likes they may have in common, and why they love being a nanny can humanize the nanny to your child ahead of time. The nanny is then seen as a regular person who your child gets to hang out with and learn from. It will give curiosity a chance to grow and overtake any reluctance or fear.
Let Your Child and the Nanny Interact Without You
Give your child a chance to come in and say hi and meet potential nannies as you meet them towards the end of your interview. This way, you can discuss hours and pay and all of the specifics without interruption but your child can also get a feel for the nanny. You can see how they interact a bit and even ask your child what they think. Doing this will help them to feel like they have a part in choosing who they will be spending time with.
Designate Time With Your Kids
Sometimes children may feel sad about losing some of the time that they have with you. It can help them better deal with the loss of time with you by letting them have a certain special day where they can have that time with you. Saturday can be a family day or you can have a Sunday fun-day. Even a couple of hours after dinner can help your child feel like they aren’t losing you, but gaining a new friend that they can trust as well!
Having someone new in your home doesn’t have to be a scary thing and change can be fun! The more this is shown to your child, the better their adaptability will be when they are older. Having trouble finding a new nanny? Lean on Sittercity to help make it easier!
