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Home › Articles › Caregivers › The Satisfied Sitter

The Satisfied Sitter

How to Keep Your Childcare Provider Happy

By Lisa Marie Metzler

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You should feel comfortable with the parenting style of your childcare provider. Your confidence in her decisions involving your children while you're at work will go a long way toward building a trustworthy relationship. Always discuss your own parenting style with your childcare provider. Your parenting beliefs should be compatible. This preventive measure will eliminate conflict on issues like discipline, mealtimes, naps, etc.

Theresa Jacobellis, a mother of four and a freelance writer from Centerport, N.Y., is adamant about the trust factor. "Feel comfortable enough with your choice of childcare provider that you do not question her every decision," she says. "Hire someone you can trust, and then trust her to do what is best for your child when you are not there."

Exhibiting trust will also show your children how much you respect her decisions. Presenting a united front on discipline, naptime and other parenting decisions will also help the day go smoother for her and your child.

Tight Schedule
It is crucial to keep the agreed-upon schedule of arrival and pick up times. Respecting your childcare provider's personal time will go a long way in maintaining a good relationship. If you're going to take the day off because an illness or an unexpected situation keeps you at home with your children, call her in advance. If you are going to be late, call as soon as possible. Don't make frequent scheduling changes. Remember, she has a personal life, too. Chronic lateness can make her feel unappreciated.

On the opposite side, your sitter will inevitably need to take days off for dctor appointments, illnesses or personal days. "Be flexible when she needs you to be, especially if your sitter rarely takes personal time," Jacobellis says. "You should try to accommodate her should a crisis or personal situation make it necessary for her to take a day off."

Pay Package

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