CONSIDERING A BABYSITTER ON VACATION?

Jun 6

Make your break better.

Planning a summer vacation with your family? We know it can be both exciting and overwhelming (let’s face it, mostly overwhelming), especially when you're trying to balance relaxation with keeping the kids entertained and engaged. And let’s be honest, when traveling with young kids especially, there's often little time for relaxing—like who really gets to dive into that book that’s been sitting by your bedside for a year now? We have a solution for you, hire a babysitter while you're away so you can enjoy a brief, yet much-needed break!

Some of our parents don’t know that we have babysitters available across Canada, so whether you are planning a wine tour near Kelowna, a spa afternoon in Banff, getting your Stampede ON, or planning a nice dinner out in Toronto, a little help from a Birdie babysitter can make your time away really feel like vacation. We can help you enjoy your break in eight cities across Canada; Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Canmore/Banff, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa.

To help you get the most out of your time away, and spend less time planning and researching, we have pulled together a few resources to help make sure your vacation sitter experience is a good one.

Preparing Your Children for a New Babysitter

Preparing your children for a new babysitter in an unfamiliar place can help ease any anxiety they might have. Here’s how to make the transition smoother:

Discuss in advance: Talk to your children about the babysitter ahead of time. Explain who they are and why they will be helping out during the vacation.
Engage them in the process: When looking for a sitter, review babysitter profiles on Birdie Break and read them to your children and share the photos. When children have a chance to help select the sitter, they may be more comfortable and get excited to meet them.
Routine: Try to maintain familiar routines. Bring along favorite toys, books, or bedtime items to provide a sense of comfort and continuity. Make sure the caregivers have the important details handy and know the names of special stuffies or family pets along for the adventure.
Meet and greet: A short introductory session can also help build trust and familiarity. Consider arranging extra time for your children to meet the babysitter before the actual babysitting begins. You an also consider a quick video call ahead of time to make sure they are comfortable.

Addressing Common Concerns

Separation anxiety: Offer tips on how to handle any separation anxiety your child might experience, such as a goodbye ritual or leaving a comforting item with them.
Behaviour management: Discuss your preferred methods for managing behaviour and any specific techniques that work well with your child.
Emergency situations: Go over emergency procedures and ensure the babysitter knows how to handle situations like minor injuries or if your child gets lost.

Packing Essentials for a Smooth Babysitting Experience

As with any sitter experience, you want to make sure you, the children, and the sitter are prepared. Here are a few things we recommend for parents, especially when on the road:

Emergency contact list: Include your contact information, the hotel’s information, and any local emergency contacts.
Health information: Provide details about any allergies, medications, and health conditions your child has.
Comfort items: Pack your child’s favorite toys, blankets, or stuffed animals to help them feel more at ease with the babysitter.
Entertainment: Bring books, games, or activities that the babysitter can use to keep your child entertained. If you dont’ have these with you, just give the sitter a heads up so they can come prepared.
Discuss safety protocols: Make sure the babysitter knows the hotel’s safety protocols, including fire escape routes and the location of first aid kits.
Set boundaries: Clearly outline any rules or boundaries, such as areas of the hotel that are off-limits or screen time limits.
Regular check-ins: Set up a schedule for regular check-ins via phone or text to ensure everything is going smoothly.

The Importance of Taking a Break

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but sometimes the stress of managing every aspect can leave parents feeling like they need a vacation from their vacation. Integrating breaks and personal time on vacation can help make the moments as a family more enjoyable. Here’s why hiring a babysitter can make a difference:

Recharge: Taking a few hours to recharge can make you more present and patient when you’re with your kids. Whether it’s a quiet dinner, a spa visit, or a leisurely stroll, having time for yourself is crucial.
Quality time: A babysitter allows you to enjoy some adult-only activities, enhancing your overall vacation experience without worrying about the kids.
Happy parents, happy kids: When parents are relaxed and happy, it positively impacts the whole family. A little break can go a long way in making your vacation more enjoyable for everyone.

Summer vacations are a time to relax and enjoy, and hiring a babysitter can help make that possible. By doing thorough research, preparing your children, and setting clear expectations, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone. Remember, taking a break for yourself is essential—after all, a well-rested parent is better equipped to create beautiful memories with their family. And, don’t forget to email hello@birdiebreak.com to update your profile location for while you are away!