Being a military spouse means juggling a lot: managing household duties, caring for your children, navigating deployments, and maintaining your own well-being—all while adjusting to the unpredictable nature of military life. One of the most important things you can do to lighten that load is to build a Care Squad: a reliable group of caregivers who understand the military lifestyle and can support you when you need it most.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the practical steps to build your military family childcare network—so you can feel confident knowing you have a dependable team of caregivers who truly get it.
1. Identify Your Childcare Needs
Before you start building your Care Squad, it’s essential to clearly identify your childcare needs. Take a moment to think about:
When do you need care the most? Is it during deployments, military events, training exercises, or long work hours?
Do you need flexibility? Do your schedules often change, requiring someone who can adapt to last-minute needs?
What special needs do your children have? Whether you're caring for an infant, children with special needs, or teens with extracurricular activities, knowing your specific requirements will help you find the right caregivers.
By answering these questions, you’ll have a clear idea of the types of babysitters or caregivers you should seek out.
2. Find Your Sidekicks
Not all childcare platforms are created equal—especially for military families. When building your Care Squad, consider using a platform like GetSidekicks, which connects military families with vetted, military-affiliated caregivers who understand the unique challenges of military life. These caregivers are experienced with deployments, TDYs, irregular schedules, and last-minute changes, and they’re more likely to be available when you need them most.
Having a Sidekick (a caregiver) who understands the ins and outs of military life can bring you peace of mind, knowing they can step in during challenging times.
3. Schedule a Meet & Greet
Once you’ve identified a few potential caregivers, scheduling a Meet & Greet is a must before officially adding them to your Care Squad. During this meeting, observe how they interact with you and how comfortable they are with your family’s unique needs.
GetSidekicks offers direct booking for Meet & Greets—no more back-and-forth messaging! You can easily book a time that works for both you and the caregiver directly through the platform.
Here are a few questions to ask during your Meet & Greet:
What’s your experience caring for kids like mine?
How flexible are you with last-minute bookings?
Are you comfortable with deployments and long-term schedules?
Do you have any experience with special needs care, if applicable?
This conversation will help you gauge whether they’re a good fit for your family and ensure you’re on the same page about expectations.
4. Build Relationships with Backup Sitters
Even the best caregiver may not always be available, especially during peak times like holidays or major military events. That’s why it’s essential to build relationships with backup sitters as part of your Care Squad.
Having a few caregivers who are familiar with your family means that you’ll always have options if your primary caregiver is unavailable. Rotating sitters through regular bookings helps them get to know your children better, ensuring that everyone is comfortable when a substitute is needed.
5. Establish Clear Expectations and Boundaries
Building a successful Care Squad isn’t just about finding the right people to care for your kids—it’s about building relationships based on trust and communication. Be sure to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the start.
Communicate your needs clearly: Whether it’s your child’s routine, meal preferences, or house rules, make sure your caregivers know exactly what to expect.
Discuss schedules in advance: If you know about an upcoming event, communicate it early to avoid last-minute surprises.
By maintaining open communication and setting clear expectations, you’ll foster stronger, dependable relationships with your Care Squad.
6. Stay Connected and Show Appreciation
Being a caregiver is about more than just watching your children—it’s a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. To keep your Care Squad happy and engaged, make an effort to stay connected with them beyond just bookings.
Show appreciation: A little goes a long way! Whether it’s a small gift, a heartfelt note, or just a thank you, recognizing your caregivers' efforts will help build loyalty.
Provide feedback: If things are going well (or not), let your caregivers know. Honest, respectful feedback helps ensure long-term success and satisfaction.
Conclusion: Empower Yourself with a Strong Care Squad
As a military spouse, you face unique challenges, but building a reliable Care Squad can make all the difference. By taking the time to identify your needs, find the right caregivers, and nurture strong relationships, you’ll be able to manage the demands of military life with more confidence and peace of mind.
At GetSidekicks, we understand the complexities of military life, which is why we’re here to help you connect with military-affiliated caregivers who can support your family from deployments to doctor’s appointments, and everything in between.
Ready to build your Care Squad? Join GetSidekicks today!
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