5 Reasons Parents Need to Use a Babysitter

Parents seem to have a lot of excuses for why they don’t use a babysitter, but every parent should use a babysitter.

We know it’s excruciatingly painful the first couple of times you leave your child with a babysitter. As parents of two, we’ve been there. But, we realized just how important getting a babysitter was to our children, our marriage, and ourselves. Now, our mission in life is to help other parents get out more so they can be better parents. That’s why we developed Sitter to take the hassle out of getting a babysitter, even one of your own babysitters.

It may sound counterintuitive that the number one reason to be away from your child is to be a better parent but that’s exactly what it does.

1. Getting a babysitter makes you a better parent.

Being a parent is 24/7 x 365. There isn’t a parent in the world that doesn’t feel stressed with it all. It’s critical that you have an outlet to relieve that stress so you don’t unleash it in a massive tantrum with the kids. When you’re rested and feel good, you’ll be more present and patient with your child. That leaves baby feeling happy and secure. It’s kind of like on an airplane when they advise you to put your oxygen mask on first. Getting a babysitter is putting on your oxygen mask. To be the best parent you can be, you need to be your best self.

2. Teaches your child to bond.

You’ll always be their favorite, but the experience with a sitter teaches your child how to bond with others, an essential life skill. There will come a time when you won’t always be able to be around your child, like when they attend preschool. Your child needs to be able to form healthy relationships with other caregivers. It will help them feel safe and secure and give them a sense of belonging when you’re not around. If they don’t learn to have a relationship with caregivers other than yourself in the baby or toddler years, it’s going to be even more difficult for them when they transition to preschool or kindergarten.

3. You need to take care of yourself.

Take a yoga class, go for a run, or simply take the time to do a hobby you love. Just because you had a baby, it doesn’t mean that you gave up being You. Your child is a massive part of you and your life. But, they shouldn’t be your entire life. To be happy, and therefore present with your kids, you need to nurture your own well-being. That means acknowledging the amazing person you are and doing the things that amazing person loves to do. Be your best self and your kids will thank you.

4. You need to take care of your relationships.

When you have a child, it’s easy to start putting them ahead of everyone else, including your spouse. However, it’s so important to take the time to nurture your relationship with your spouse or significant other– now more than ever. When parenting, you need to be on the same page so your child feels a sense of stability. The only way to do that is to spend time with your significant other, have a real conversation, and fun without the kids interrupting. You can’t ever get on the same page if your only conversations happen in 10-second chunks.

5. Teaches your child independence.

You’re probably thinking, “They’re not even 18 months, let alone 18. Are you kidding me? Independence?” Independence is an essential life skill for a child and, if they learn it early, they won’t be living in your basement at the age of 30. It starts when they’re a baby. Baby steps. By leaving your child with a sitter, they learn that even though you’re not there, they’ll be ok and you’ll come back. If they can feel comfortable without you around, they’ll be a lot more comfortable when you leave them on that first day of preschool, the first day of soccer that’s not Mommy and Me, and on through childhood.

So, ditch the excuses, and get a babysitter – even if it’s only for an hour while you’re at home doing chores or taking a nap. You’ll be doing the best thing for your child and you.