Almost every parent will need a babysitter at some point in time. Because the child/ babysitter relationship is intermittent, you may wonder how you'll find a qualified person to watch your child. Many parents rely on neighborhood teens or adults the child has regular exposure to. If you're new to an area, this might not be an option for you. Try contacting a local daycare center. They may be able to provide you with some potential sitters. Check with family friends, who may have teenage children willing to babysit, or may know of a qualified sitter. Perhaps you can trade sitting duties with a friend who has children, too. Another popular option is babysitting cooperatives. These are groups of parents who take turns babysitting for one another. Some cooperatives are formalized, with a strict regulated system of exchange, while others are more loosely organized. You may consider placing a notice on a teens' bulletin board in a community center. Regardless of how you find your sitter, remember to observe them with your children, and contact references.
