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Looking for a way to save on sitters and have playmates for your children? Then you want to start up a baby-sitting co-op. How do you start one when you don't know where to begin? Some easy ways include talking to other parents in your neighborhood, at school, or at work.

Ask other parents if they are interested in taking turns keeping each other's children. This provides a break for parents and a great chance for children to play with other kids. If enough parents join the co-op, you might be able to take turns weekly.

Why should you leave your children with other parents? Most parents are better at taking care of children than sitters who have no children. If you are a parent and you are watching other people's children, your kids will play together with their toys. It's less work than actually sitting for someone.

The kids will enjoy playing with other children. If you have only one child, playtime is critical. Interaction with other children is necessary and beneficial to the development of a child.

Ask people in your church if there is a baby-sitting co-op in the area and find out how you can join. Ask teachers or parents at your children's school if they are interested in joining.

Avoid putting up flyers asking people to join. Why? You may get calls from people you don't want to send your children to. These people may also want to pawn their kids off on you and never return the favor. Also avoid classified advertisements for the same reason.

How should you take turns? Every baby-sitting co-op needs some organization. Each parent involved in the co-op should come to agreement about the order and frequency of sitting. Each parent should keep a record of who baby-sits when and how often. Having this record on hand is convenient for reference of who is next on the list to call.

Baby-sitting co-ops provide an excellent opportunity for parents to save money while getting a break from the kids. Babysitters are very costly and parents who are on a budget are always looking for ways to save money. A co-op is the answer. Good luck starting up your own baby-sitting co-op and have fun!

Learn more about this author, Wendy Brock.
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