Did you know? Almost 60 percent of children under age 5 have child care beyond their parents, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And while there are plenty of different arrangements for tending to little ones, there are some important benefits of having a babysitter. Want to know how babysitters help children grow? Check out a few of our favorite ways:
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It builds social adaptability and emotional intelligence
When children consistently interact with a trusted babysitter or nanny who’s outside their immediate family, they learn to communicate with others as well as adapt to different personalities and communication styles. They also express their needs and feelings to new people while learning to trust and empathize with others and create new attachments that feel safe. The child-sitter relationship is a great stepping stone to help kids become more flexible in social settings, which will set them up for success in school and beyond. For children on the shy side, these connections can slowly but surely help them grow their comfort zone.
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It increases communication skills and language development
Getting comfortable with new voices, new conversations, even new vocabulary helps stimulate language growth among children. This is particularly true when sitters ask open-ended questions during play, introduce new stories and songs, and encourage two-way conversations in ways parents might not always do when they’re at home. Even the subtle and small interactions (like reading a book or chatting at bedtime) can increase vocabulary and comprehension.
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It ignites creativity and independent thinking
An awesome sitter might bring crafts, games or her/his own style of problem-solving, which in turn introduces children to fresh ideas, perspectives and ways to play. Exposure to a variety of play sparks creativity and, when sitters allow kids to take the lead, it promotes autonomy, confidence and decision-making. It also gives kids the safe space to make mistakes, try (and try) again, and explore with a sense of freedom. All of these steps ladder up to strong executive functioning, which is critical for learning and self-regulation.
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It encourages healthy separation and resilience
Children who feel safe and content when a parent’s not around are better able to build confidence in new environments and experience small spurts of independence. And, of course, emotional resilience increases when children understand that Mom, Dad, or Primary Caregiver “always comes back.” This sense of trust lays the foundation for seamless transitions to school, camp, and other experiences and relationships later on.
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It teaches cooperation and respect
A sitter-child relationship is one of the first opportunities for kids to learn how to follow directions from adults outside of their family as well as practice key cooperation skills. Negotiation know-how is also built (“How about another book before bed?”). These experiences teach children to learn about boundaries and expectations that might differ between parents and caregivers. All these interactions can serve as early dress rehearsals for team work and social success in larger groups.
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It expands acceptance for differences
Say a sitter comes from a background that’s different from yours, speaks another language, or has different traditions. All of those variables give your child a sneak peek at diversity and our multicultural world. Being exposed to different foods, music, expressions, books, and more nurtures openness, tolerance, respect and curiosity, too. Above all, it normalizes inclusive behavior from a young age.
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It supports the mental health of parents
Last but most definitely not least on our list is the important benefit for PARENTS. When people have the privilege of consistent breaks from the work of parenting for self care, they return calmer, more patient, and more emotionally present. As a result, children benefit from reduced parental stress, increased balance, and more positive energy, which in turn strengthens a child’s attachment and overall emotional health.
