Ask the Expert Sandi Esptein coaches clients on home life and work. She also coaches on business issues and has over 15 years experience in marketing and business management with an MBA from Columbia University. Ask her all your work and family balance questions. Child's Feelings for Caregiver Q: Dear Sandi, I actually work from home, but have a sitter watch my 10-month-old half the day. It's a great situation and the two of them are crazy about each other, but sometimes I feel my baby really prefers her sitter (an older, grandmotherly type). For example, if I hear before the sitter does that she's awake, I can go pick her up from her crib, but then when she sees the sitter, she practically leaps out of my arms. Is this just insecurity on my part? I'm not a perfect mother, but I try hard to be as loving and supportive as I can possibly be. Sometimes I get maxed out, but I'm a pretty good mother overall. Sharon A: Dear Cynthia, Your child's love of your babysitter probably has nothing to do with his or her love for you. It is natural to feel jealous of your child's affections especially if the child goes through phases of seeming to prefer the sitter. But as you indicate you are very lucky to have a loving sitter. What might help is to think about how we used to grow up in close communities and extended families where grandparents helped daily with childcare. It is wonderful to have a sitter that can recreate that multiple-sources of love experience for your child. We are so busy when we work and nurture a growing family. To keep the bonds strong with your children try to spend 20 minutes of "floor time" every day. This is a special form of playing where 100% of your attention is on one child and you are doing the activity they choose. No answering phones, cooking, cleaning - just focused attention. This has a remarkable impact on your child. Also see: • Ask Sandi a question • Read more of Sandi's Q&As • More information on coaching from Sandi