You don't have a babysitter for this Friday's holiday party? No problem! If you live in an urban or perhaps even a suburban area, a babysitter is most likely just a quick phone call away. Drop-in childcare centers report that business is booming this time of the year, as parents find that their regular teenage babysitters may be too busy with their own activities to watch kids, leaving families in childcare limbo. Drop-in care centers typically offer late-night hours, weekend care, and provide dinner and snacks (for a fee, of course). Kids are entertained with a variety of toys, movie nights, and holiday crafts. Drop-in centers may be more pricey than your regular sitter, but the plus side is your child should be safe and happy while you still get to enjoy some holiday fun! Don't assume space is readily available, however. Reservations are still recommended!

Quality babysitters are in short supply right now as holiday party invitations, dinners with the boss, and cocktail socials abound. 'Tis the season, after all. But for parents with young kids, these events also create a special stress that comes with trying to make child care arrangements, and then not having to worry all evening about their safety and welfare. Here are tips to consider when choosing a babysitter.

It's not even December, but I've counted six kid gift exchanges to date that my children are expected to attend. While I'm among the first to volunteer to help with craft stations or provide cupcakes, I'm hoping this is the year to rein in out-of-control spending and the stress that comes along with it from excessive gift buying for children. I vote for a budget-minded and sane return to good ol' cheap holiday fun. The point is that young partygoers will be having such a great time that they won't even notice the lack of themed plates with their matching napkins and cups and professional-wrapped presents. Does anyone else want to join my campaign?

Helicopter hovering...overparenting...death-grip parenting. You've seen parents make every last decision for their tyke, all the while rationalizing to anyone who will listen how it is in their child's best interest. Not! This style of parenting may even describe, gasp, you! Teachers and daycare workers report that it on the rise, meaning we're raising a generation of sniveling, dependent, mama's boys and girls who can't make decisions. Parents, wake up! There are many ways to encourage independent thinking in our kids so they grow up to be appropriately independent as adults. It can start with your family's upcoming holiday season, with letting your kids make choices that affect the family meals, celebrations, and even their attire. Just remember to cheerfully support those decisions afterward!