When it comes to finding trusted, high-quality child care, clear, honest communication is critical. From setting expectations to giving open feedback, having a consistent line of communication helps sitters and nannies meet a family’s needs along with giving parents peace of mind. It also prevents those stressful misunderstandings about schedules, bedtime routines, family rules and more that nooooo-body wants.
Just a few simple strategies and steps can ensure that you forge a well-functioning, positive and reliable relationship with any sitter or nanny, which leads to a happier, healthier experience for kids. Our guide on how to communicate with your babysitter or nanny will give you everything from pointers on creating your job post to tips on following up after you get home. Confident communication with every caregiver starts now…
Set Clear Expectations
The first step in learning how to communicate with your babysitter? Creating a clear job post description (and avoiding a few hiccups, too). When you clarify what you really need, you’re more apt to connect with a perfect match for your family. (Pssst: The best matches happen when expectations are synched up on Day 1!)
Start by jotting down a few details to write your post as well as prepare for any interviews:
- The ages of your kids are and what type of care they need
- Any info on routines, including naps, meals, bedtime, etc.
- Details on special considerations, such as allergies, sensory needs, or medications
- What you expect the sitter’s responsibilities to be
- Any pickup or transportation needs (from school, playdates or activities)
- Additional asks: pet care, laundry, meal prep
- Your proposed rate and if there’s any flexibility
- Schedule and consistency (do you need a full-time sitter or just every Saturday night or just occasionally?)
Have a good sense of what you need will make your job post clearer and your interview smoother, while allowing the sitter to determine if the job is a good fit. It also helps to reflect on what your ideal sitter might be. Ask yourself…
- What type of sitter personality will be the best fit for my kids (calm, warm, structured, playful)?
- Which behaviors or routines matter most to our family?
- What types of logistics do I need to establish early?
Ace the Interview
There’s pressure for the interviewer, too! But an interview doesn’t have to be intimidating. Skip the formal structure and make it an open conversation about how you can work together to support your kids.
Need some icebreakers to kick things off? Start with a warm tone and try…
- “We’re so excited to meet you! Before we get into details, I’d love to hear what you enjoy about working with kids.
- “We’re excited to get to know you. What types of families have you connected with the most?”
Once you lay the groundwork, you can get into the most important interview questions. A few must-asks:
- “What’s your child care experience with kids this age?”
- “How do you handle big feelings, tantrums, or sibling conflict?”
- “What’s your approach to screen time?”
- “How do you stay in touch with parents while you’re caring for the kids?”
- “Are you comfortable with driving, meal prep, or bedtime routines?”
- “What’s your availability over the next few months?”
- “Do you have CPR/First Aid training? Are you open to taking it?”
A few red flags to be wary of:
- Vague answers about anything but especially around experience
- Being uncomfortable talking about safety or discipline
- Inconsistent availability
- Not asking you any questions
- Lack of enthusiasm about your child’s age group
Good to know: The best sitters ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in your child’s wellbeing. It’s also a great idea to have your kids meet the sitter, either at the end of the interview (if it’s going well) or before the sit-down.
Schedule the first job
Interview went well? Amazing. Now be sure to take the time to prepare to make the first experience as successful as possible. The more information a sitter has upfront, the more confident they’ll feel … and the more relaxed you’ll feel leaving your children in their care.
You might want to consider a simple parent-sitter agreement so you’re aligned on…
- Hours and overtime policies
- Responsibilities
- Safety expectations
- Communication preferences
- Transportation needs
Share the House Rules
You don’t need to create an exhaustive list but a sitter should know the essentials. Be sure to give them a list with:
- Bedtime and nap times
- Snack or meal guidelines
- Screen time limits
- Household boundaries (“Please keep the kids downstairs,” “No iPad after 7pm,” etc.)
- WiFi access rules and password
- Expectations for check-ins
Make a Safety Checklist…
Be sure to share this safety info:
- Emergency contacts
- Allergies, triggers, or medical conditions
- Medication how-tos
- Location of first-aid supplies
- Household safety notes (baby gates, alarms, pets, etc.)
And a Family Info Sheet, Too
A simple sheet should include:
- Child’s name, age, routine highlights
- Bedtime stepsFavorite snacks (and what’s off limits)
- Tips for comforting or helping with behavior
- Your phone, partner’s phone, and a backup contact
- Where you’ll be and how to reach you
What to do Once You’re Home
Before your sitter leaves, get a short debrief. Doing so will help build trust while ensuring future visits go even more smoothly. A few questions to ask:
- How did it go?
- What did you do together?
You can also ask your kids:
- “How did you feel while I was gone?”
- “What did you do?”
- “Did you feel safe and comfortable?”
- “What would you like to do with them next time?”
Share Feedback with Sitters
Just like you want input on a work project, sitters like to hear what you thought about their care. Most sitters appreciate direct, respectful communication, so start with with what went well:
- “Thank you — they mentioned how fun playing hide and seek was.”
- “I appreciate how calm you stayed during bedtime.”
Then gently share anything to adjust:
- “Next time, please keep screens off after dinner.”
- “She sleeps better when the sound machine is on.”
If you want them to come back again, be sure to let the sitter know and share any specifics:
“We’d love to have you back — here are a few dates we’re looking at.”
Strong communication from the start will lead to long-term child care relationships that you can feel confident about.
Your Communication Toolkit
To make things even easier, we’ve got a downloadable tools you can use to improve how to communicate with your babysitter:
- Family Info Sheet (Fill-in-the-Blanks)
- Parent–Sitter Agreement Template
- Interview Checklist
- Safety essentials
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Clear, respectful communication is the foundation for safe, reliable child care you can trust — and strong, long-lasting relationships with caregivers. When parents and sitters truly get each other, kids thrive, sitters feel supported, and parents have the peace of mind when they have to go, whether it’s for a quick errand, a well-deserved date night, or a weekend away.
Ready to find a sitter who’s a perfect fit for your family? Get the conversation started today at Sittercity today.
