#41 Who’s Watching the Kids? Finding, Trusting, and Letting Go of Childcare

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Childcare is one of the biggest challenges modern parents face—whether it’s during a crisis like COVID, while juggling work schedules, or simply trying to carve out time for your own sanity. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into the real-life stories, lessons, and tough decisions that come with hiring, trusting, and sometimes saying goodbye to babysitters, nannies, and other caregivers.

From Melissa’s experience of holding on tight to a full-time nanny during the pandemic, to Sam’s stories of both beloved babysitters and less-than-ideal care, this conversation highlights the mix of gratitude, guilt, and growth that comes with letting others care for your kids.

You’ll hear:

• How to balance the emotional and financial decisions around childcare
• The unique dynamics when family members or relatives step in
• Green flags (like communication, punctuality, and respect for your household rules) that signal you’ve found a great fit
• Red flags that may mean it’s time to set firmer boundaries—or move on
• Why being upfront about your expectations makes life easier for everyone
• How to talk to your kids when a sitter or nanny leaves
• Signs your child might be ready to stay home alone—and how to “test drive” independence safely

Sam and Melissa also share candid stories of babysitting wins and fails—from sledding in blizzards to awkward oversharing—and dig into the tricky mix of trust, boundaries, and gut instinct that every parent navigates.

If you’ve ever debated whether it’s okay to hire a sitter just so you can exercise, struggled to decide when your tween ca

Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?  

Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.  

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• Melissa on Facebook

Work with Us:

Sam: Teen Savvy Coaching

• Join The Teen Savvy Parent Hub
• Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
• Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches

Dr. Melissa: Annapolis Psychiatry

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