Like most parents, you may need to hire a babysitter for at least one holiday gathering or party this season. Some parents will have many nights that they will need a sitter. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems like all the good babysitters already have plans.

Here are top five tips for getting a great sitter this season.

1. Start planning early. The earlier you call a sitter, the more likely they are to still have open days on their calendar. Even before Thanksgiving, many babysitters start filling their holiday calendars. New Year’s Eve may seem a long way off, but you would be surprised at how many babysitters already have the night reserved.

2. Offer to swap kids. Call another parent and see if they can watch your kids for your party and in return you can watch theirs when they need a night out. Not only will it save you money, but it may also give your kids a needed play date while you are out.

3. Have a backup plan. If your sitter gets the flu, you will need a backup. Make sure you have alternatives in a pinch.

4. Develop the reputation for paying babysitters well. If you pay well enough, a sitter will keep those dates open for your family anytime.

5. Try the internet. If you can’t find an available sitter, try a internet matchmaking service that matches parents to potential sitters. They usually have a large list of local sitters with rave reviews and will provide you with that list and background checks for less than the price of a night out!

Don’t let the time get past you. Follow these tips and ease the stress of the holidays with a great babysitter.

By: Beth Howland

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Erika S asked:


So, we’ve had our nanny for about 6 months now. She started out great and was coming to my home to watch my daughter. Then she asked me to drop her off at her place and she’d then drive to my place later. Then eventually she asked to watch my daughter in HER home. She said she’d pick her up and drop her off and all that. I was fine with this. Then she began taking my daughter to a friends house who does a home daycare as well. My husband has always had a weird feeling about her but, I just shrugged it off. I tried to send her a text letting her know my sister in law is in need of money and would watch my daughter for me and I got this reply you better give me what’s owed to me or a two weeks notice. if you don’t i’ll be in small claims court in the morning. i’ve done it before and i’ll do it again if i have to My husband now REFUSES to send my daughter there…should I just tell her no pay or notice?? We signed no contract and didn’t claim her on our taxes either. Thanks
I do have all the text messages. My sister says if she DOES try to take us to court she’ll herself end up in jail or with several fines for not having a daycare license and not paying proper taxes…so I’m really thinking about telling her she can try it. I’m having someone with law experience look into this for me.