Confessions of a Babysitter: 10 Babysitter Tips We Wish Parents Knew
- SMARTSITTER Team
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest: babysitters see a lot. From chaotic school pickups to bedtime breakdowns and snack-time standoffs, we’ve been in the trenches. We love what we do — but there are a few things we wish parents knew that would make the whole experience smoother, safer, and better for everyone involved.
Here are 10 honest, real-world babysitter tips for parents — straight from our trusted local SmartSitters:
1. Bedtime routines don’t need to be perfect — just consistent.
We're not here to judge your routine (even if it includes five books and three trips to the bathroom). What matters is predictability. If your child knows what to expect, they're more likely to settle down. Give us the rundown, and we’ll stick to it like glue.
2. We’re not house guests — we’re here to help.
No need to deep-clean or apologize for the laundry piles. We’re focused on your child’s safety and happiness — not your to-do list. That said, if you leave clear expectations (e.g., "Don’t worry about dishes, but please put toys away"), we’re all in.
3. Clear communication is more helpful than a perfect schedule.
Every child is different. Some are clockwork kids. Others are chaos gremlins. We can roll with anything — as long as we know what to expect. Tell us about the tantrum triggers, the "only sleeps with the dinosaur blanket" quirks, and what to do if bedtime fails. We’ll make it work.
4. “Emergency contacts” are not optional.
Please, please don’t skip this part. Even if you’re just going out for 90 minutes to a nearby restaurant. We need to know who to call just in case. Accidents are rare, but fast response is crucial when something does happen.
5. Your child doesn’t need to “perform” for us.
We’ve had shy kids, wild kids, anxious kids, and kids who pretend we’re invisible. It’s all normal. Don’t stress if your child isn’t instantly chatty or excited. Our job is to meet them where they are — not where you wish they’d be.
6. We're not robots — we get tired too.
Especially during long or late-night shifts, having small considerations makes a big difference. A clean glass of water, a comfy spot to sit after the kids are asleep, or even just a kind check-in — it goes a long way toward sitter retention (and loyalty).
7. The more we know your child, the better care we give.
One of the most underappreciated benefits of using the same sitter service? Familiarity. The more often we watch your child, the more we understand their moods, routines, and needs — and the faster they trust us. This leads to smoother nights and less stress for everyone.
8. Tips are nice — but feedback is gold.
We love a tip (of course), but what helps us grow is honest feedback. Did your kid have the best night ever? Tell us. Was there something we could’ve done differently? Definitely tell us. Communication = better care.
9. If something’s off, we’d rather know than guess.
If your kid had a meltdown before we arrived or didn’t nap and might crash early — give us the heads up. We’re professionals, but we’re not mind-readers. Transparency helps us make better choices for your child.
10. We see ourselves as part of your parenting village.
Lastly — and maybe most importantly — one of the top babysitter tips for parents:
We’re not just a warm body in the living room. This isn’t a side gig we take lightly.
Many of us are early childhood educators, students studying child development, or professional caregivers committed to this work long-term. We care deeply about your child’s well-being, their growth, and their joy. Our goal isn’t just to “watch the kids that one time” — it’s to become a trusted, consistent part of your parenting village.
Comments