My parents’ church has a monthly fundraiser for their college ministry where the college students volunteer to babysit on a donation basis. It’s a wonderful 3.5-hr break (6:30-10pm) that the kids (and parents!) love. We started calling it Kids’ Night Out because we thought it sounded better than Parents’ Night Out, and besides, they think of it as a special treat to go and hang out with friends, play games, make crafts, watch movies and eat popcorn.

Sometimes, parents do need a break. I remember hearing way back in college that one-of-these-days when you get married, it’s important to have a regular “date night” with your spouse. Well, for the first year, we couldn’t afford to go out much, then we had a kid, then two, then we REALLY couldn’t afford to go out, much less hire a sitter. Then, there were three, plus a move and more financial woes. I know you get the picture without hearing the whole history. Date Night sounds nice in theory, but it’s difficult to implement, in reality.

Thankfully, we’re in a much better position nowadays, but we’re by no means lavish, and it’s nice to find an alternative like college childcare night where parents can get a break for an evening without breaking the bank. It is a fundraiser, though, so I try to give a generous contribution, but anyway … the point is that it’s nice to be able to do every now & then.

Now that the eldest is old enough to babysit in the eyes of the State, I’ve also begun giving him babysitting opportunities. Last night, Nos. 2 & 3 spent the night with grandparents, so No. 1 stayed home with Nos. 4 & 5 while I went to dinner with some friends. He has babysat for a little while here and there, but I think last night was the first time that he watched his brothers without calling me once! He had it totally under control, and I was very proud of him.

It’s nice to come home from an evening out and find that everything is hunky-dory at home. He earned a bit more trust from me, and he’s earning good experience that ought to help him raise some spending money as he gets a little older. I know that I liked finding guy babysitters when the boys were young, because I felt like they might be able to relate better. Don’t get me wrong — we had some terrific girl sitters, but there’s something about boys connecting with each other, arr, arr, arr. I guess it’s a testosterone thing. :p