We talk a lot about "The Village."
But for most of us… the village didn’t show up.
We moved away from family. Or our friends work. Or grandma is busy living her best retired life (as she should! 😅).
So when the inevitable happens:
The daycare closes for a random Tuesday holiday.
The nanny gets the flu.
You and your partner both have a meeting at the same time.
Or you just need two hours to go to the dentist without a toddler sitting on your lap.
The panic sets in.
We’ve all done the "desperation text" to five different friends hoping someone can save us.
But I found a way to stop the panic before it starts.
It’s my "Break Glass in Case of Emergency" list.
Step 1: I built a "Bench" (before I needed one)
The worst time to look for a sitter is when you are desperate.
When I’m desperate, I ignore red flags. I rush. I stress.
So I decided to look for help when I didn't need it.
I treated it like window shopping.
I wanted to see:
Who actually lives near me?
Are there college students home for the summer?
Are there experienced grandmas looking for part-time hours?
Just knowing they were there lowered my blood pressure.
Step 2: I used the free search tool (Care.com)
I used to think you had to pay a membership just to see who was out there.
You don’t.
You can actually create a free account, type in your zip code, and just… look.
You can see photos, read bios, and check their experience without spending a dime.
What I look for specifically: When I’m scrolling, I’m not just looking for "a body." I’m looking for trust signals.
The Background Check Badge: This is non-negotiable for me. I want to know they’ve been vetted.
Reviews from other local moms: If a neighbor says “She got my toddler to eat broccoli,” I’m sold, lol.
The Vibe: Do they look like they have energy? Do they have CPR training?
Step 3: I "Heart" them for later
I don't necessarily message them right away.
I just save them to my favorites list.
It’s like a digital rolodex.
So now, when the school calls and says "Early Release," I don't spiral.
I open the app, go to my favorites, and I have 3–4 pre-vetted people I can message immediately.
It feels like finally having that "Village" we were promised, even if I had to build it myself.
Why I use Care.com specifically
It’s not just for date nights (though, please, take the date night).
Tutoring
Housekeepers (Because sometimes the "help" I need is just clean floors)
Pet Care
If you want to build your backup list
You can do exactly what I did:
Tap below.
Type in your zip code.
Just see who is near you.
You don't have to hire anyone today. Just knowing who is available is a massive relief.