How to Meet Neighbors and Find Sitters

Our neighborhood has a HOA website where members can go and see the list of sitters. That worked ok for me in finding a sitter, however, my daughter is now on the list and I am not too keen on her going to a stranger's (or someone we do not know) home. A man called her once and asked for her help with his child that day. I did not know this man and he seemed agitated that I would not let her just come over. I offered to have his child come to my home for my daughter to watch here with me supervising and he hung up on me. SO...I don't use the HOA site for my daughter. My gut instinct told me that was not so good after that experience.

Our neighborhood has a lot of alley ways but my street and area does not as we all back up to woods we have front entry areas. We are outside a lot and know everyone by mixing and mingling out front a LOT.

I also met some sitters at the school bus stop when I would walk in the am. I just asked them if they babysat. If yes, I would invite the sitter and a parent to my house to meet my daughter and dogs to see if she was interested and paid her for that visit.

My daughter will be 14 in Dec and she babysits for neighbors close by when her social calendar allows it, LOL.

I am in the same boat as you. Our HOA has a list, but I am just so afraid to use it. Sure, they can give you references, but what good is a reference if you don't know the person it is coming from! I would suggest asking at your church if you attend one that is closeby, or your other mommy friends in the area. If your HOA has events, try attending those and networking. I could just never trust anyone unless I knew them or close friends recommend them. I guess I just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Best of luck in finding sitters you feel great about!

That is one thing I like about having a front drive. If your neighborhood has block parties, that's a great way to meet neighbors! If not, maybe think about organizing one. Leave flyers on doors, and ask for interested people to help organize. It doesn't have to be anything big, I think the simpler the better.

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