Leaving your kids with a babysitter in the UAE can feel like a big leap. You want someone who’ll keep your little ones safe and happy while you’re out or busy. But trusting a new babysitter is tough for a lot of parents. It’s normal to worry, but those worries can make it hard to find someone you really click with. Let’s talk about why it’s so tricky to trust babysitters and share some easy ways to feel better about it, so you and your kids can be at ease.
You’re Scared Something Might Go Wrong
Your kids mean everything, so handing them over to a babysitter can make your stomach flip. What if they’re not careful? What if your kid gets hurt? In the UAE, where babysitters often come from places like the Philippines or India, you might worry they don’t know how to handle things like you do.
To feel better, do a little homework. Ask for names of other families the babysitter worked for and call them to hear how it went. Look for someone who’s taken a first aid class—lots of babysitters in the UAE have that. Before they start, tell them your safety rules, like keeping doors locked or what to do if a kid falls. Knowing they’re ready helps you chill out.
They Feel Like a Stranger
It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know. If you find a babysitter through an app or agency, they’re basically a stranger at first. That can make you nervous about leaving your kids with them, especially in a busy place like the UAE where everyone’s from somewhere different.
Spend a little time with them first. Invite the babysitter over to hang out with your kids while you’re home. Let them chat and play together. Ask the babysitter about themselves—maybe what they like to do or where they grew up. Getting to know them makes them feel less like a stranger and more like a friend.
Your Family’s Ways Are Different
Every house has its own vibe—maybe your kids have a strict bedtime or only eat certain snacks. If the babysitter does things their own way, you might worry your kids won’t be looked after right. In the UAE, babysitters might not know your family’s habits, like how you handle prayer times or special meals.
Make it super clear what you want. Write a short list of your kids’ routine—like when they sleep, eat, or play. If your babysitter’s new to the UAE, tell them about your traditions, like how you celebrate Eid or what foods you love. A simple guide helps them get it right, so you feel good about them.
A Bad Experience Sticks With You
If a babysitter let you down before—maybe they showed up late or didn’t follow your rules—it’s hard to trust the next one. Those moments make you think twice, and you might worry the new babysitter will mess up too.
Don’t let one bad day ruin things. Ask friends in the UAE for babysitter recommendations—they’ll point you to someone they trust. Start with small jobs, like leaving the babysitter for an hour or two. If they do great, you’ll feel ready to trust them with more.
You Feel Out of the Picture
When you are not home, it can be challenging to not know what is happening. Are your kids happy? Is the babysitter okay? The feeling of being out of the loop can be anxiety provoking, especially in the UAE where parents have busy lives.
Stay in touch without being too pushy. Ask the babysitter to send a quick message, like “Kids are playing and had lunch.” You could use a baby monitor to peek in now and then. Give clear instructions but let them do their job. That balance helps you feel calm while they work.
Kids Need Time to Like Them
If your kids aren’t happy with the babysitter, it’s hard to trust them. Maybe your kids cry or hide when the babysitter comes, which makes you second-guess if they’re the right fit. In the UAE, where babysitters might speak a different language, kids might need a bit to warm up.
Help your kids get comfy. Have the babysitter come over a few times while you’re there. Let them play a game or read a story together. Over time, your kids will smile more, and you’ll feel better about the babysitter.
Building Trust Takes Time
It may not happen right away, but you can find a babysitter in the UAE that you trust. Start by looking for a babysitter with great reviews and a positive, friendly personality. Once you find someone, explain your rules (if applicable), get to know them and start with short jobs. You want to show them how your family works, be nice and it will help. If you have trust in your babysitter, you have the freedom to relax a little knowing your kids are in the hands of someone you trust. A little bit of effort goes a long way towards a more relaxed home!