Clear, honest communication is a sitter’s super power. It’s true! Parents prefer (and consistently rehire) caregivers who are open, honest and reliable in addition to being great with kids. Being a strong communicator helps you build trust, avoid stressful misunderstandings, and show families that you’re a pro. For pointers on sharpening your skills, we created our guide to great communication with families so you can feel confident before, during, and after every job. Ready?
Impress with your first message
If you’re responding to a Sittercity job post, put your best foot forward by clearly explaining who you are, what your background is, and how your work sets you apart. Something like..
“Hi, I’m [Name]. I’ve been working with children for [X years], especially ages [range]. My caregiving style is [playful, structured, calm, Montessori-inspired, etc.]. I’m trained in [CPR/First Aid/other skills], and I love helping kids feel safe, supported, and engaged. I’m excited to learn more about your family and how I can help.”
Expressing yourself clearly and concisely helps parents quickly understand whether you’re the right fit.
What to bring or have on hand at your first interview
It helps to have the following on hand or in front of you to share
- Your updated sitter profile
- A list of references you’ve checked with and their contact info
- All certifications (CPR/First Aid, etc.)
- Your schedule and availability (weekly + seasonal)
- Any transportation needs or details (Do you drive? Own a car?)
- Your relevant skill set (tutoring, special needs experience, infant care, languages spoken)
- Any questions for the parents (see below)
What to ask parents
Be sure to prepare a few smart questions. It shows you take the job seriously and care about the child’s wellbeing. Start by clarifying info about the child:
- What does your child’s evening routine look like?
- How do you normally handle big feelings or tantrums?
- Are there specific behavior expectations or rules I should follow?
- Does your child have allergies or medical needs?
- Where are the first aid supplies located?
- Are there any household safety rules I should know?
- What is your screen-time policy?
- Are there foods/sweets to avoid?
- Can the kids play outside or only indoors?
- What is the expected start/end time?
- What is the pay rate, overtime, and late-night expectations?
- Do you have pets in the home that need care?
- Do you have instructions for WiFi, baby monitor, alarm system, etc.?
Asking these questions will help avoid confusion while showing parents that you are thoughtful and thorough.
INSERT: Sittercity Parent or Sitter quote about communication
When you’re on the job
Once you’re providing child care, having clear communication will help everything run smoothly while giving the family peace of mind.
Make note of family routines with a simple list (in case they don’t provide one)
- Dinner or snack times
- Bedtime routine (which order? Any special item or nightlights?)
- Screen-time rules
- Comfort strategies (“sing this song,” “loves to be rocked”)
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Restricted areas of the home
- Pet instructions
Emergency Contact Card: Always keep these numbers easily accessible:
- Parent 1
- Parent 2
- Backup emergency contact
- Pediatrician
- Neighbor or local support contact
- Home address (for emergencies)
- Important instructions (allergy protocol, medication rules)
Parents take comfort knowing that you are prepared.
A few smart check-ins:
While you’re babysitting, you can keep parents informed without overwhelming them using these messages:
- “All settled in! Kids are playing/got their snack. :)”
- “Dinner is done — they especially loved the pasta!”
- “Down for the night at 8:05. Let me know if you’d like another update.”
- “Just a quick question — is [X] okay? Want to double-check!”
Share a recap sheet for parents
If there’s time, prep a quick summary helps parents understand how things went, even if the kids are already asleep. Want a printable sheet to use? Check out one HERE.
Include:
- What kids ate
- Activities you did
- Diaper changes / potty log
- Bedtime notes (what worked, what didn’t)
- Any behavior or emotional notes
- Anything important for next time
Parents love sitters who leave a clean, thoughtful recap. Here’s a peek at what our sheet looks like:
After the job is done
Good communication doesn’t end when parents walk in the door. Having the right follow-up can turn one job into many more. Consider sending a message like:
“Thank you again for having me! If you ever have any feedback that helps me support your family even better next time, I’d love to hear it.”
OR
“I had such a great time with [child’s name] yesterday! I’d love to support your family again. Let me know if you have upcoming dates or evenings you need help with.”
A few extras
Want more interviews, more trust, and more repeat jobs? Try these tools to stay organized and stand out.
Create an Availability Tracker
A simple weekly or monthly schedule helps you keep commitments straight and avoid double-booking. Parents love sitters who communicate clearly about availability.
Work Up a Skill Showcase
The more clearly you present your skills, the more families you attract. Highlight certifications and special strengths, such as:
- CPR / First Aid
- Infant experience
- Special needs experience
- Homework/tutoring help
- Languages
- Driving skills
- Swim supervision
Request a Reference
It’s smart to collect positive references. Not only can they help build your network but they significantly boost your chances of being hired by a new family. Here’s a clear way to ask:
“Hi [Parent Name], I loved working with your family. If you’re comfortable, I’d really appreciate a short reference for my Sittercity profile so I can connect with more great families like yours. A few sentences about your experience would be wonderful — thank you!”
Communication recap
Smart communication sets you apart. It helps parents feel confident, makes kids feel safe, and enables you to feel empowered and prepared. With scripts, checklists, and templates in this guide, you’ll be able to show families that you’re a thoughtful, reliable sitter they can trust over and over.
Want to connect with more families looking for sitters like you? Be sure to update your Sittercity profile today — and put these communication tools to work.
