The challenge of finding a good babysitter Published March 19, 2013 By Sarina Houston 3rd Flying Training Squadron key spouse VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- I'm constantly looking for babysitters. No, my kids aren't that unruly and I'm not overly demanding. But there always seems to be a shortage of babysitters in general. Couple that with the fact that we're always moving and our babysitters are always moving and we're actively looking for babysitters most of the time. Finding good babysitters can be difficult. As military families, we like to rely on word of mouth and referrals from friends most of the time. And if you're like me, you probably trade babysitting with other friends who have kids. But have you tried Sittercity.com? Sittercity.com is a virtual babysitting service that matches babysitters with families. Babysitters can post a resume online and parents can browse through them. As a parent, you can search for exactly what you want, for example: a part-time vs. full-time, college educated, experienced with a special needs child, etc. You can request background checks right on the website, and the best part is that it's free for military families. I have to admit it was a little scary -- OK, a lot scary -- to find a babysitter this way. But back when I was desperate, I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. In fact, my top three all-time babysitters have come from Sittercity.com. Before I found them, though, I had to weed through many others that were terrible. For example, one sitter, who seemed great in the interview, told me later that she didn't use car seats with the other young children she babysat daily. I didn't call her again. Another fed my son nothing but Cheetos and pudding for lunch, because "that's what he said he wanted." I didn't call her again, either. And then there were numerous sitters that just didn't show up. Oh, the stories I could tell you! But the good babysitters that I found on Sittercity.com were amazing. You know the type -- they just give you warm fuzzies. They asked a lot of questions, communicated concerns with me and texted pictures of the kids to prove they were still alive throughout the day. They brought craft projects or asked if they could make cookies. Most importantly, the kids would be excited to see them when they'd come to babysit. If you're stuck without a babysitter for the 10th time this year, give Sittercity.com a try. Be careful and cautious about trusting strangers with your children, and always trust your instinct. But if you go in with the right expectations, it's not so scary. You might come across a not-so-great babysitter or one that doesn't show up for the interview. But maybe you'll find a few good ones too. Sarina is the Key Spouse for the 3rd Flying Training Squadron and is married to Capt. Jacob Houston in the 3rd FTS at Vance AFB.