How to Prep for a Babysitter as a Homeschool Mom (Without the Stress)

As a homeschool mom, you’re used to wearing all the hats—teacher, chef, chauffeur, counselor, activity coordinator, and more (sometimes all before noon). So when it’s finally time to take a break—maybe for a date night, a doctor’s appointment, or just a little breathing room—it’s totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed about getting everything ready for a babysitter.

Because here’s the thing: homeschooling creates rhythms and routines that don’t always look like what sitters might expect. And if your kids aren’t used to being with other caregivers often, transitions can feel extra bumpy.

But good news—prepping for a sitter doesn’t have to be a whole production. With just a little bit of thoughtful prep, you can make the whole experience easier on your kids, your sitter, and (most importantly) you.

Let’s walk through a simple, stress-reducing system that helps everyone feel prepared—and helps you actually enjoy your time away.

Why Babysitter Prep Is a Little Different for Homeschool Families

Homeschooling means you’re with your kids a lot. You’ve got your own family routines, learning rhythms, and expectations that work for your home—not necessarily the outside world.

So when someone else steps in, it’s helpful to prep them a little more intentionally. A few things to think about:

• Are your kids used to finishing certain activities at specific times?
• Do they respond better to gentle redirection?
• Are there rhythms they count on (like afternoon reading time or morning outdoor play)?
  

Even a little prep can go a long way in helping your kids feel calm, your sitter feel confident, and the whole evening (or day!) go more smoothly.

The Homeschool Mom’s Babysitter Prep Checklist

Here’s a practical, mom-tested checklist you can follow anytime you’re heading out.

1. Confirm the Basics

Double-check the key details:

• Time, date, and how long you’ll be gone
• Number of kids at home
• Any pets that need care
• Your address and tips for parking or getting inside

Quick Tip: Text everything to your sitter the day before. It’s a helpful reminder even if you’ve already talked.

2. Leave an Emergency Contact Sheet

Even if your sitter has your number, it’s smart to leave a quick reference list. Post it in a visible spot like the fridge.

Include:

Your phone number + backup

• Nearby friend or neighbor
• Emergency numbers (fire, police, hospital)
• Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)

Pro Tip: Tape it on the fridge or put it next to the house phone if you have one.

3. Prep Based on Time of Day

A sitter during the day? Nighttime? You’ll want to prep differently depending on when they’re coming.

For daytime sitting:

• Let them know what schoolwork or projects are in progress
• Have snacks or lunch ready to go
• Leave outdoor play ideas
• Share naptime routines

For evening sitting:

• Prep or set out dinner and snacks
• Have pjs and lovies ready to go, any diapers or pull-ups would be helpful as well
• Write out bedtime routines (books, songs, nightlights)

Quick Tip: Kids thrive on routine. A written timeline like “4:30 snack, 5:30 dinner, 6:30 bedtime routine” can make a big difference.

4. Set Out the Essentials

Help your sitter avoid digging through drawers and closets.

Put out:

• Diapers, wipes, pull-ups
• Extra outfits
• Medications (with clear instructions)
• Comfort items for bedtime

Bonus Tip: If you’ve got multiple kids, label what belongs to who. It’s a lifesaver.

5. Make Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Easy

No sitter wants to guess what’s allowed or scramble to find allergy info.

• Label what’s off-limits (“Save the last brownie for Mom!”)
• Prep simple meals or snacks ahead of time
• Post allergy notes where they’re easy to spot
• Set out kids’ sippy cups and silverware/plates/etc.

Pro Tip: Pre-make a simple “approved snack list” that your sitter can glance at instead of guessing.

6. Plan a Few Simple Activities

A little planning = fewer “I’m bored” moments.

If it’s during the day:

• Set up an easy science experiment
• Suggest an outdoor scavenger hunt
• Art and craft supplies ready
• Board games or puzzles
• Simple science experiments

If it’s in the evening:

• Have quiet-time options like coloring or read-alouds
• Pick a movie or show in advance with clear screen time limits
• Leave a bedtime book or two ready to go
• Set out a few sticker books or lacing cards
• Favorite TV shows or movies (with screen time limits)

No need to overplan—just give your sitter a few easy wins!

7. Share House Rules (Kindly)

Don’t assume your sitter (or even your kids) will know your expectations unless you share them.

Things to include:

• Screen time boundaries
• Backyard or playroom rules
• Snack or kitchen access
• What bedtime looks like
  

Tone Tip: Keep it positive and helpful. Instead of “No screens after 5,” you might say, “We usually turn off screens after dinner to help wind things down.”

A Few Extra Prep Tips

• Do baths the night before (especially if it’s a date night—you’ll thank yourself later)
• Tell your kids ahead of time who’s coming and when
• Leave a one-page sitter summary with routines, contact info, food, and activities
• Leave the WIFI password and instructions about how to use the tv, remote, etc.
• Let the sitter know where medications and the first aid kit are located
• Consider a small “sitter surprise” like a new coloring book or sticker set—it makes things fun for your kids and gives your sitter an easy activity

Optional: Keep a Babysitter Tracker

If you use more than one sitter (or plan to), keeping a little tracker can save you time and guesswork next time.

Jot down:

• Sitter name and contact
• What went well (or didn’t)
• Kid favorites or challenges
• Notes for next time

It’s like a mini cheat sheet for smoother nights down the road!

You Deserve a Break—Without the Stress

You already juggle a lot. When you need a moment to recharge, your sitter prep shouldn’t feel like one more exhausting to-do.

With a little planning and a few go-to tools, you can:

• Feel confident stepping out
• Help your sitter feel supported
• Give your kids a calm, secure transition

Because when everyone’s set up for success, you can actually enjoy that break you so deserve.

What about you?

What’s your biggest challenge when leaving your homeschool kids with a sitter? We’d love to hear—come chat with us over on The Lively Bean’s Facebook page!