I was talking with a friend and we were discussing a babysitting co-op. Other Moms that I know bring it up every now and again and I was wondering if anyone has ever started one? Any advice? So far I have just agreed to swap kids with one Mom and I already swap with another Mom whenever we need a haircut or a Dr's appt and such. I'm happy with that, but just wonder what the possibilities are...

By Melanie on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:46 am:

We have a pretty large co-op where I live, though I've never joined. They operate with tickets. You "pay" one ticket for each child per hour. That prevents one person from always using the service without babysitting themselves. If you want more tickets, you have to watch someone else's kids.

By Trina on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:52 am:

Our town Newcomer's Club has one, but I've never participated. They have a point system similar to the tickets Melanie described above. I never joined because I don't know all the moms well enough to feel comfortable leaving my kids. I also didn't like the thought of having to baby-sit kids who we're not familiar with. KWIM?

I'd be happy to watch Syd for you any time!

By Debbie on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:53 am:

Eve, I am in a babysitting co-op through my church. It is great!!!!! We are pretty big with over 60 families, but it started with just 6-8 families several years ago. If you want, I can scan and e-mail you our bi-laws. We do use tickets to keep track and have set rules, which keeps everything fair. We also have family and adult activities once a quarter. It is a lot of fun.

Let me know if you want the info I have. I would be happy to send it to you. It explains exactly how our co-op works. This might give you some ideas if you decided to start your own.

By Debbie on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 09:58 am:

Eve, I was typing while Trina was. Trina brings up a good point about leaving your child with someone you don't "really" know. One good thing about have get togethers is that it gives everyone a chance to get to know each other, so they do feel comfortable leaving their kids and babysitting others. I was in the co-op for several months before I babysat/left my dks with anyone. I just went to all the meetings and activities. I now have about 4 women that I really like and feel comfortable leaving my kids with.

Good luck to you.

By Eve on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 03:18 pm:

Thanks, ladies. Your posts really helped! I am not wanting to start something with anyone I don't know, just the few Mom's that I like and see on a regular basis. I already do have another Mom that I trade off with for Dr.s visits and hair cuts and that works well. I was just talking to another Mom who doesn't get out enough, and I could relate! LOL! She just moved down the road from my favorite restaurant so it got me thinking....drop Syd off on the way! Nice. Then, we could trade off and she could get a night out too. Just sounds good to me! LOL!

Debbie, sounds like a wonderful group through your church with meetings and such to get to know everyone. I HAVE to join a church. It's been on my goals for the past year! I miss that community.

Thanks, Trina! I have you booked for the 8th! LOL!

By Feona on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 05:59 pm:

The mothers center has a babysitting coop here. There are monthly get togethers so you can meet everyone. Trade is hour for hour not per child of course...

I never did it because the get togethers were not a good time for me and my mom likes to baby sit the rare times I need a sitter.

By Annie2 on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 07:27 pm:

When we were in the military I was in a co-op. There were written bi-laws, get-togethers and they used a ticket system. It worked very well. I knew most of the ladies who participated and I could ask any person I wanted to sit, so i asked the ones I knew.
It is a nice way to share sitting duties without the risk of being taken advantage of.

By Tunnia on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 06:46 pm:

Debbie, could you send me some info on the co-op. I live in a very large neighborhood that is not really near any other neighborhoods. I have been babysitterless for about four months now because none of the teens want to babysit. They don't need the money and they don't want to "waste" their Friday and Saturday nights. *sigh* I'm not the only parent in my neighborhood with this problem so maybe this might be something I'd be interested in starting. TIA

By Tunnia on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 08:03 pm:

Oops! I just realized that I didn't give you my email address. It's tunnia2001@hotmail.com

By Debbie on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 08:29 pm:

Tunnia,

I would be happy to send it to you. If I don't send it tonight, I will definitley send it to you tomorrow. My youngest is sick, so I am planning to go to bed in just a little while. All depends on how long it takes me to figure out our new scanner.

By Tunnia on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 07:55 am:

Thanks Debbie! I'll be on the lookout for your email. I hope your ds feels better soon.

By Debbie on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 10:27 am:

Tunnia, check your email. I sent it this morning.