Because of his shifting nap schedule, he is almost always still asleep when I leave. I've never been fond of that, and wonder if that is part of the problem. She also seems a bit down lately, and kids respond in kind. She was perfect with him when he was tiny, but she is not high energy generally, and my son is very high energy.

Or maybe it's developmental? He's 17 months now, and he definitely makes a little disgruntled noise and frowny face when he knows I am leaving. Maybe he sees her and knows I am leaving. She comes two afternoons a week for 3 hours and on Friday nights (she helps with dinner, and then I put him down and go out with dh). She has been with us for about a year.

So I am confused. How do I figure out if they are a good fit now or if this is a phase? They had such a good rapport in the past, so I don't want to muck around with this relationship unless there is a problem.

What have you all done when you suspect the fit is no longer good or the babysitter and your kids are going through an awkward phase?