Children while being the greatest joy of your life can be the greatest killjoy to your social life.  Whether a married couple or single parent, there comes a time when you need a reliable babysitter.  Parents need and deserve a night out on the town every now and then.  But where do you look?  Who do you call?  You can’t leave your precious little person with just anybody.

Here are some tips on where to look:

The first choice on the babysitter totem pole is a family member.  Grandparents hold the top spot!   (The Obama’s had the right idea in bringing grandmommy along to the White House).  Your parents raised you so you know your little one is in great hands.  An aunt, uncle, or sibling can also be a good choice.

No family available?  Try a good friend.  Remember the folks who offered to babysit when you first brought your little bundle home?  Take them up on their offer.

If you know another family with a child close to the same age as yours, offer to do a babysitting swap.  You watch their child one night and on another night they watch yours.

Know a family with teen children?  Ask if they can babysit.  Many teens babysit to make extra money. Usually they are great babysitters AND they are inexpensive!  (I recommend you do this only if you know the teen’s parents).

If none of the above options work for you, try a babysitting locator service.  Do an internet search on babysitting in your local area.   Babysitting locator services charge a fee but their sitters have gone through thorough background checks.

Lastly, but not highly recommended, try posting or answering an ad on a classified listing service.   If you decide on this route please be sure to take the time to interview and do a background check on any potential babysitter you may find.