Who is your child’s favorite babysitter? Is it the girl down the road? Is it Grandma?

If you have not yet found a babysitter who your child loves, here are some tips:

1. Check a local college or university. Colleges are full of students who would love to watch your children, take them to events and entertain them when you are away. They tend to be much more responsible than high school age sitters and tend to be a favorite age for young kids.

2.. Ask your hairdresser. (Really!) Think about it. They know more people than almost any other person in town! I found one college-aged babysitter this way. She was not only great with my kids, but she was also willing to watch our dog when we were vacationing out of town!

3. Call your friends.–Just don’t think that they will just give you the number of their favorite babysitter. Why would they want her busy when they need a night away?

4. Ask schoolteachers or your pastor. These people often know people who would be excellent caregivers and role models for your kids.

5. Try Sittercity. This online matchmaking services has listings of local babysitters all over the country. You can search their database of thousands of sitters before you even have to pay for the service! In most cases, parents find more than 10 well-matched babysitters right in their local area.

Don’t settle for average childcare. Take the time to find that favorite babysitter that will bring your kids great memories for years to come…and give you a welcome night out!