This is How to Overcome Your Fear of Trusting a Sitter with Your Kids
For many parents, trusting a stranger with their child can be a nerve-wracking experience. Questions about safety, responsibility, and professionalism can make it hard to feel comfortable leaving your kids with someone else.
But when you need support—whether for a few hours or a full day—a trusted babysitter can make all the difference.
At Nannies on Call, we understand these concerns, and we’re here to help you navigate them with confidence.
In this article, we’ll give you 6 actionable tips on how to ease your anxiety about hiring a nanny and show you how our rigorous screening process ensures that only the best nannies are selected to care for your children.
1. Acknowledge Your Concerns (It's Normal!)
It’s completely normal to feel uneasy about leaving your kids with someone new. After all, you’re entrusting a stranger with your most precious treasure!
Instead of ignoring or dismissing your fears, acknowledge them as valid. Many parents share these same concerns, especially when hiring a babysitter for the first time. By recognizing your anxiety, you can begin to take steps toward finding a sitter you can truly trust.
2. Understand What Makes a Sitter Safe and Reliable
Parents often worry about the unknowns when hiring a sitter:
Will they know how to handle emergencies?
Do they have enough experience with kids?
Are they trustworthy?
At Nannies on Call, we hear these concerns all the time—and it’s why we’ve developed the most rigorous nanny screening process in the industry. Our screening system ensures that only highly qualified, trustworthy, and experienced nannies are available for families.
Here’s how we make sure your nanny is not just good but exceptional:
Impressive skill sets: Nannies on Call nannies have extensive professional childcare experience and up-to-date certifications.
Rigorous screening: Only 10% of applicants make it through to Round 2 of our selection process.
Detailed reference checks: Every nanny must provide 2 to 5 recent childcare-related references.
Criminal background check: A clear criminal record is non-negotiable.
First Aid & CPR certification: Every nanny must hold valid childcare-specific First Aid and CPR certification.
3. Learn How Agencies Like Nannies on Call Screen Nannies
If you choose to book an occasional nanny or babysitter through a professional agency, you should know exactly what their screening process is.
Our selection process includes multiple steps to ensure the highest level of trust and safety:
Initial Online Application: Every nanny must submit detailed information about their childcare experience.
Agency Interview: We meet face-to-face with each candidate to assess their professionalism and fit for families.
Documentation Submission: Nannies must provide government-issued photo ID and background checks.
Background & Social Media Check: We check each nanny’s background, including social media, to ensure there are no red flags.
Nanny Orientation Course: Every nanny is required to complete our orientation program to guarantee they understand our high standards.
This process ensures that only nannies who meet our high standards are represented by Nannies on Call.
4. Choose a Service You Can Trust
Not all babysitting services and agencies are created equal. The key to trusting your sitter is choosing a service that values safety and responsibility as much as you do.
At Nannies on Call, our nannies undergo continuous training, have access to support from our expert team, and receive competitive rates for their extraordinary service. We truly love and value the nannies we represent, and that care translates directly into how they care for your children.
5. Allow Time For You and Your Children to Get to Know the Nanny
Allowing some time for you to get to know the nanny before leaving them with your child is a great way to build trust. When you meet them, pay attention to:
How they interact with your child
Whether they ask important questions about your child’s routine, needs, and preferences
How comfortable you feel after getting to know them
A trial run where the nanny spends time with your family while you're still at home can also help you feel more at ease.
6. Create an Open Line of Communication
Clear communication between you and your nanny is key to ensuring everyone feels comfortable. Be upfront about your concerns, and ask for regular updates while you’re away.
At Nannies on Call, we encourage open communication to create trust between families and nannies. Whether it’s a text message check-in or a detailed end-of-day report, maintaining this connection can help relieve your anxiety and give you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Booking a babysitter or occasional nanny can initially feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can find one you trust completely. By acknowledging your concerns, choosing a service with a proven safety track record, and getting to know your nanny, you can feel more confident in your decision.
At Nannies on Call, we pride ourselves on offering families in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa access to highly skilled nannies who are also adored for their professionalism and care.
If you’re ready to learn more about booking an occasional nanny, visit our website today to see how we can support your family with safe, responsible, and loving occasional childcare.