First time leaving toddler with a babysitter

[Anonymous]

We've hired a babysitter a few times for our 17 month old but have a wedding next month that will require us leaving well before bedtime. Any tips for making getting out of the house without too many tears? One of DS' teachers will be the one watching him, so it will definitely be someone familiar. But he cries at daycare drop off pretty much every day still (I know he recovers as soon as we're gone though). We'll have her come early enough to go through bedtime routine, but I'm still feeling a little sad/guilty about it.

[Anonymous]

Accept now that he will cry JUST LIKE DAYCARE WHERE HE RECOVERS IMMEDIATELY. You’ve done the best thing you can do by hiring someone he’s already familiar with.

The work you need to do is with yourself. Your kid will be fine. There’s nothing to feel guilty about. Kids need their parents to go out and have a nice time without them.

[Anonymous]

Just walk out the door. Don't give in to stalling. Don't give 100 hugs, 100 kisses, don't keep going back because he's crying. Just leave. He'll be fine 5 minutes after you walk out the door.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just walk out the door. Don't give in to stalling. Don't give 100 hugs, 100 kisses, don't keep going back because he's crying. Just leave. He'll be fine 5 minutes after you walk out the door.

This. Read this post 25 times a day every day until your wedding event.

[Anonymous]

Either leave well before bedtime, and let his teacher put him to bed. Alternatively, put him to bed, and leave after his teacher gets there.