Understanding Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is the distress children feel when they’re separated from their primary caregivers, especially between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. But it can also reappear at different stages—such as starting school, during big life changes, or after a parent returns to work.
Common signs of separation anxiety include:
Crying or clinging when you leave
Trouble settling after you’re gone
Fear that you won’t return
Changes in sleep or appetite
Regressive behaviours like thumb-sucking or tantrums
While it’s completely normal, it can be emotionally draining for parents who may feel torn between needing time away and wanting to protect their child’s comfort.
This is where a trained, compassionate babysitter can step in to offer genuine support—not just to your child, but to you.
How a Good Babysitter Eases Separation Anxiety
At Cherished Cherubs, our babysitters are chosen for more than their qualifications. They are emotionally intelligent, calm, and nurturing, with a natural ability to build trust with children of all ages.
Here’s how our babysitters help children feel safe and settled:
1. Building Trust Through Familiarity
Children feel safer with people they know and trust. That’s why we encourage continuity of care—offering families the option to request the same babysitter for future bookings.
The more time a sitter spends with your child, the more:
Familiar their voice, face, and routines become
Trust and attachment begin to grow
Children feel comfortable when you leave
This consistency transforms a “stranger” into a safe and familiar friend.
2. Gentle Engagement From the Start
Our babysitters know not to overwhelm children with too much stimulation. Instead, they take time to:
Sit quietly nearby
Offer toys or books gently
Let the child lead the pace of interaction
This respectful approach allows children to feel in control, which is key in helping reduce anxiety.
3. Distraction Through Play and Positive Attention
One of the most effective ways to help a child feel at ease is to gently shift their focus. A good babysitter will come prepared with:
Age-appropriate games, toys, or crafts
Songs, stories, and calming play activities
Lots of encouragement, praise, and empathy
By redirecting the child’s attention and helping them feel successful and engaged, the sitter helps create positive emotional associations with their time together.
4. Respecting Routines and Comfort Items
Familiar routines and comforts offer a strong sense of security. That’s why our babysitters follow your instructions to the letter, including:
Nap times, meals, and bath time routines
Special toys or blankies for comfort
Soothing techniques unique to your child
We ask every parent about these details before each booking so we can provide a seamless transition from parent to sitter.
5. Supporting Parents Through the Process
Let’s be honest—separation anxiety doesn’t just affect kids. It can be tough for parents to walk away when your little one is crying or clinging to your leg.
At Cherished Cherubs, we provide:
Pre-session briefings so you feel confident and informed
Check-ins if needed, so you know your child is doing well
A post-session summary, so you’re never left wondering how things went
Our goal is to support the whole family—not just the child being cared for.
Tips for Parents to Ease Separation Anxiety
If you’re preparing for babysitting for the first time, here are some ways you can help:
Talk about it ahead of time in a calm, positive tone
Keep goodbyes short and confident—avoid sneaking out
Use consistent phrases like “Mummy will be back after your nap”
Trust your sitter to comfort and redirect after you leave
Book short sessions first, and gradually increase as your child adjusts
We’re also happy to offer guidance on how to approach your specific situation—every child is different, and we tailor our support to their needs
Real Families, Real Comfort
“Our daughter had a hard time when I returned to work. But after two visits with our Cherished Cherubs babysitter, she was running to the door when she arrived. The sitter took the time to build trust, and it made all the difference.”
– Melinda, Mum of 2, Joondalup
“I was nervous leaving my son for the first time, but the sitter texted me a quick update and let me know he’d settled quickly. That simple reassurance helped me relax and enjoy my time out.”
– James, Dad of 1, Leederville
Support That Grows With Your Child
At Cherished Cherubs Babysitting, we don’t just show up—we show care. Our mission is to provide safe, loving, and flexible care that helps your child feel confident and secure, even when you’re not there.
Whether it’s your child’s first time away from you or you’re looking for a long-term support solution, we’re here to make the journey gentler, calmer, and full of heart.
Engage a Trusted Babysitter Today
Let us help your family through the tricky stages with trusted, professional care. We’ll match you with a sitter who brings warmth, patience, and a reassuring presence into your home.
Book a sitter today, and let us help you take the worry out of finding the perfect babysitter for your family.
