Helping Kids Develop Social Skills Through One-on-One Care

Written by Lisa

Social skills are a vital part of a child’s development. From learning how to communicate and share, to managing emotions and building confidence, these skills shape how children interact with the world around them — now and well into adulthood. While group settings like schools and childcare centres play an important role, one-on-one care can be especially powerful in nurturing strong social and emotional foundations.At Cherished Cherubs, we understand that every child is unique. Through personalised, in-home babysitting and nanny care, we see daily how individual attention can gently guide children as they develop essential social skills in a safe, familiar environment.

Why Social Skills Matter So Much

Social skills go far beyond saying “please” and “thank you”. They include a wide range of abilities that help children navigate relationships and everyday situations, such as:

  • Communicating needs and feelings clearly

  • Listening and responding to others

  • Managing big emotions

  • Building empathy and understanding

  • Resolving conflicts calmly

  • Developing self-confidence and independence

Children who feel socially confident are often more comfortable trying new experiences, forming friendships, and expressing themselves. These skills don’t develop overnight — they grow gradually, through consistent support and positive interactions.


The Power of One-on-One Care

One-on-one care offers something truly special: undivided attention. Unlike group settings, where caregivers must split their focus between many children, personalised care allows a babysitter or nanny to tune in fully to one child’s emotional and social needs.

This focused attention creates a nurturing space where children feel seen, heard, and valued. For many children — particularly those who are shy, sensitive, neurodivergent, or adjusting to change — this can make a world of difference.

In one-on-one care, a trusted babysitter can:

  • Model positive communication and behaviour

  • Respond immediately and thoughtfully to emotions

  • Adapt interactions to suit a child’s personality and developmental stage

  • Gently guide social learning at the child’s pace

These moments, though often quiet and subtle, play a significant role in building lifelong social confidence.


Learning Social Skills Through Everyday Moments

Social learning doesn’t only happen during organised activities. In fact, many of the most valuable lessons occur during everyday routines.

A skilled babysitter understands how to turn daily moments into meaningful learning opportunities, such as:

  • Conversation during play: Encouraging turn-taking, asking questions, and expressing ideas.

  • Problem-solving together: Helping children talk through frustrations or disagreements calmly.

  • Emotional coaching: Naming feelings and offering reassurance when emotions feel overwhelming.

  • Role modelling: Demonstrating kindness, patience, and respectful communication.

Because these interactions happen naturally within the child’s own home, they feel safe and familiar — making learning more effective and less overwhelming.


Supporting Children Who Need Extra Confidence

Some children find social situations more challenging than others. They may feel anxious around new people, struggle to express themselves, or become easily overwhelmed in group environments.

One-on-one care provides a gentle bridge. A consistent, trusted babysitter can build a strong bond with the child, offering encouragement without pressure. Over time, this helps children practise social skills in a calm, supportive setting before applying them more confidently in broader social situations.

This personalised approach can be especially valuable during periods of transition, such as starting school, welcoming a new sibling, or adjusting to changes in routine.


Safety, Trust, and Legal Responsibilities in Australia

While nurturing social development is important, safety and legal responsibility must always come first.

In Australia, babysitters and nannies have a clear duty of care to protect children from harm and provide appropriate supervision at all times. This includes ensuring that interactions, play, and routines are safe, age-appropriate, and respectful.

Across Australia — including Queensland and Western Australia — anyone working with children in a paid role is required to hold a valid Working With Children Check (known as a Blue Card in Queensland). This essential safeguard helps protect children and provides families with peace of mind.

Professional babysitters should also have a solid understanding of child safety, appropriate boundaries, and first aid knowledge, ensuring children are supported physically, emotionally, and socially in a lawful and responsible way.


Why Choosing a Trusted Babysitter Matters

When it comes to your child’s social and emotional development, who you trust matters deeply. A professional babysitter does more than supervise — they form a positive, respectful relationship that supports growth and confidence.

Engaging a trusted babysitting service ensures your caregiver has been carefully vetted for experience, qualifications, and genuine care for children. It also means your family receives support tailored to your child’s unique needs and personality.

At Cherished Cherubs, we take this responsibility seriously. Every babysitter is selected not only for their skills and experience, but for their warmth, integrity, and ability to connect meaningfully with children.


One-on-One Care That Feels Like Family

For over two decades, Cherished Cherubs has supported families with in-home care that feels like an extension of a parent’s own love and values. Our babysitters understand how to foster social skills gently — through patience, play, conversation, and trust.

Whether it’s helping a toddler learn to express emotions, supporting a school-aged child’s confidence, or simply being a calm, reassuring presence, these one-on-one moments matter.


Engage a Trusted Babysitter Today

If you’re looking for a caring, professional babysitter who understands the importance of social and emotional development, Cherished Cherubs is here for you.

Get in touch with Cherished Cherubs to find a trusted babysitter who will support your child’s growth with warmth and understanding.

Because when children feel safe, supported, and truly understood, their confidence — and their social world — can flourish.

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At Cherished Cherubs, we have been providing quality childcare  in Perth since 2002.  We know how important your children are.  Our mission is to provide professional, tailored and affordable babysitting services to create a stress-free experience for parents.  We organise it all for you.  Whether you want to find a babysitter to take care of your little ones at home, at your hotel, at work or your latest event, we’ve got you covered.

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