3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

My babysitting co-op has saved the day for me in many ways. A babysitting co-op is a group of families that trade off childcare on a regular basis. All parents know that finding a babysitter during school hours is almost impossible. Hooking up with another mom or two to trade childcare with can work, but only if all of the families involved are conscious of being equal and fair about the trades.

The group I belong to is a formal babysitting co-op with bylaws, monthly meetings, and a limit on membership (25 families). We use poker chips to track our hours. The group has been in existence for well over 20 years. It endures because it works. Here are some of the rules that we use in our group:

An existing mom in the co-op may invite a new mom to come to a meeting after visiting her home (and assessing it as a safe environment). The potential member is given a copy of the by-laws to read. Existing members vote on each new membership.

If the new member accepts the invitation to join, there is a $3.00 fee to join plus a $2.00 per year dues.

A new member is then given 50 poker chips. The chips represent time. If you leave your child with a member of the group, the cost is 2 chips per hour for one child, 3 chips per hour for 2 children, adding one chip per hour for each additional child. A chip tally is taken at each monthly meeting so that everyone knows who needs to earn chips and who needs to get out more.

Every 6-months we elect a new chairperson who manages the funds (which get spent at an annual dinner in the spring) and arranges and runs the monthly meetings. The chairperson is "paid" two chips per family at the end of her term for her time and effort.

In the summer we plan weekly playground play dates with the kids instead of monthly evening meetings.

The monthly meetings inspire new friendships. Often moms will hook up at these meetings and plan mutual play dates at each other's homes before they begin trading childcare.

The benefits of being part of a babysitting co-op are super.

1) Make new friends (we all need more of these, right?)
2) Have a safe place for your children when you just have to get something done
3) Keep the trading fair (no parent can be dropping their kids off everywhere and not reciprocating)
4) Save on babysitting fees
5) Have an option for childcare during the day
6) Create great opportunities for your children to make friends

Being a mother is great, there is no doubt about that. But sometimes the 24-hours a day, 7-days a week nature of the "job" can make simple tasks next to impossible. Going to the grocery store can be a torture. Having a parent teacher conference for an older child can be embarrassing (how many time-outs can one 3-year old earn in a 30-minute appointment?) And doctor, dentist, and other medical appointments for mom get put off and off and off.

A babysitting co-op is just the answer for all of the above situations. I still pay for a regular sitter for evening dates with my husband. But, when I need a some time during the day, I have a list of reliable wonderful women that I can call upon. I can be assured that my children are safe in their homes and that they will have a great time playing with their friends while I am getting that new filling in my tooth.

Learn more about this author, Lynne Jablonski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The benefits of a babysitting co-op?
We want to hear your view. Write now!