It can be overwhelming when you first think of leaving your child with a complete stranger. Most of us, at some point, take that leap and bring someone into our home to care for our kids. Sitters are great for parents and for children. It gives parents some time off and it gives kids an adult playmate. When you find a sitter that your kids click with, the kids will be the ones pushing you out the door. We often get asked, "how much should I pay for a sitter?" or "What can I expect from a sitter?"  Print a list of interview questions and find information for researching preschools on SBParent.com >>

The Mary Poppins of today does not show up with an umbrella and a spoon full of sugar but she does still exist. For some parents, it is the nanny they have found on their own or through an agency. For others, it may be a special home daycare or an infant center that becomes your child's home away from home. Every family is different and it is important to do your research early and find what is most comfortable for you and your child. There are many different philosophies and approaches and you need to find the one that meshes with your family.

On a personal note, I have learned some things over the years: paying more for a sitter does not get you a better sitter; you don't always need to pay more when you have more than 1 child; and the more clear you are with your expectations before they babysit, the smoother the transition. Some sitters are happy to put the dishes away and tidy up. Others will simply say, I don't do any housework. I have had 2 sitters over the years that became part of our family and did everything with our kids. Now that our kids are older, we seldom need them which means I constantly find myself scrambling at the last minute because I no longer have a regular network of sitters.

It is amazing but there do not seem to be any requirements as to what age your children have to be to be left home alone. We started experimenting this year an hour at a time when the kids requested not to be included in the errands and grocery shopping. This was a win-win for all of us because I did not have them there complaining and they were able to stay home and read and do homework (at least that is what they told me they did). We had to create some rules though so that we all felt comfortable and safe:

• Lock all the doors (although they are allowed to play in the back yard)
• No friends or visitors
• No wheels (no biking, skateboarding, rollerblading)
• No cooking or knives (typically I try to go when they are already fed - one less thing to worry about)
• Allowed: homework, reading, computer, playing games, (television is a rare exception if work is done since they are not allowed to watch during the week). They love the TV exception which means that they do not move until I get back.

What do you think is the right age to leave kids home alone? What questions do you ask when you interview a babysitter? SHARE YOUR OPINIONS ON PARENT CHAT >>

The COSTUME SWAP and BOOK EXCHANGE is October 3rd... If you have kids infant through 10 years old, you will not want to miss the opportunity to swap out your gently used costumes or books for something new. Click for details on this FREE event >>

The SB Public Library System needs our help! Please take a few minutes to fill out their survey regarding their services: English and Spanish. 

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

School Schedules | Movie Showtimes

Thursday Sept. 24th - 5-8:00pm

Cold Stone Creamery® will host the "World's Largest Ice Cream Social"  fundraising event to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation®

From 5-8 p.m., customers will receive a 3-ounce serving of Jack's Creation in exchange for a donation to this worthy cause at Cold Stone Creamery stores in Santa Barbara and Goleta (and across the country)

• This year's celebration includes a 3-ounce Creation developed by 5-year-old wish child and 2009 Junior Tastemaster Jack. He combined sweet cream ice cream with brownie, sprinkles and caramel to create his special treat.
• Donations THAT NIGHT and ALL MONTH LONG will benefit the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

The Junior League of Santa Barbara is partnering with Welcome Every Baby (WEB) this October by assembling layette kits for low-income families who often cannot afford essential items for their new babies.

Depending on availability, WEB provides layette kits to families in need. It is through your generous donations that the Junior League of Santa Barbara will reach its goal of assembling 50-75 layette kits.

We are looking for the following items:

• board books for young children
  
• new onesies
  
• blankets
  
• warm clothing
  
• pacifiers
  
• digital infant thermometers
  
• nail clippers
  
• new toys and stuffed animals
  
• hats
  
• socks

Donated items can be dropped off at Guest Services at La Cumbre Plaza or the Management Office at Paseo Nuevo. THANK YOU!

Jenna McCarthy, Author
Excerpt from The Parent Trip: From High Heels and Parties to Highchairs and Potties

You may firmly believe that the only person qualified to care for your child is one who is directly responsible for his or her genetic profile. If that is your stance, I respect and applaud you and wish you endless rewarding years of uninterrupted, round-the-clock quality time with your offspring. However, there maycome a time-you have a proctologist appointment, your best friend gets arrested and you need to bail her out of jail, your partner is away on a business trip and you get invited to a Tupperware party-when you need an hour or seven of child-free time. This is, of course, just a vague possibility. But should it occur, rather than scrambling for last-minute help (everyone has caller ID these days, and trust me, no one answers when they see the name of a new parent flashing across the screen), it's wise to be prepared. Just in case.  Continue article >>

Here are some helpful links to use when researching child care:

• BornLearning offers a helpful checklist you can download as you are searching for a compatible caregiver for your child. Click here to view a printable version >>

Our NON-PROFIT IN THE SPOTLIGHT this month is Wilderness Youth Project.  Read the spotlight to learn more about this organization that connects youth to the outdoors to foster confidence, health, and a life-long love of learning. Or, for an even better introduction, you're invited to WYP's 10 year celebration next weekend. >>