When you need this

Leaving your children with a babysitter, a grandparent or a daycare means handing over a lot of information in a few minutes: bedtime, food, allergies, screen time, and how to reach you. The sitter has questions too. These phrases help both sides get the important things said clearly.

The key is being specific and calm. "She can have a snack at four" is clearer than "Don't let her eat too much". And always finish with what to do if something goes wrong, because that's what a good sitter will ask about first.

Phrases

someone who watches your children for a few hours

a place that cares for young children while parents work

the time the child goes to sleep

a food or thing that makes the child sick

something the child may do or have

something the child can't do

get children ready and into bed

where to find important contacts

contact me if there's a problem

a short sleep during the day

behave badly

the sitter's question about special needs

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.