Lakeland nightlifeYou may be thinking: am I going crazy? Did someone just say that Lakeland nightlife and kids in the same sentence? It’s possible? How? The answer really isn’t that simple. There are two sides to this story: are you willing to bring them with you or do you want a babysitter to take care of them?

Hiring a babysitter is one of the most grueling duties a parent can make. How do you make sure this babysitter will not harm or leave your kids? How can you leave your kids with a complete stranger? Is it right to crave for a nightlife when you’re already parents? Don’t feel too guilty. A lot of parents undergo the same dilemma as you. They feel guilty for wanting to have fun away from their children. There is nothing deplorable about it. It’s perfectly normal, though you have to insanely prepare for it.

First of, ask for recommendations for a good babysitter or nanny. Preferably, borrow one that a friend or a family member has been acquainted to for quite some time. This will give you a more relaxed feeling once you leave your children with her. Also, you may ask your other nightlife-loving friends if they are leaving their kids behind, too. Maybe you can leave them all in one house and ask a couple of babysitters to look after them.

Of course, if you have a younger or older sister (or your mother) who’s willing to look after your kids, that would be better. It will relieve you from the stress and the guilt of leaving the kids alone in the house. If they are with family, you’ll feel more satisfied and you can enjoy the night more.

Again, no one should judge you if you want to get away from your homes and your kids once in a while. Everyone needs a breath of fresh air, so trying out a new bar or pub is seriously acceptable.

If you are not ready to leave your children, there’s another way you can have a nightlife and be with your kids: bring them with you! Wait, what?! Although bars and pubs are not exactly the greatest places for kids, they won’t turn you down, too, since you’re a paying customer. As long as you’ll be responsible as to who’s the designated driver and therefore, should not drink, you’ll both be fine. Your kids will probably get bored in the bar, so bring something that they might enjoy.

Then again, they might actually feel good about you treating them as adults. You’re taking them to an adult destination, after all. They are bound to be curious as to what’s up with the adults in their lives.