Start A Babysitting Co-op In 8 Easy Steps

A babysitting cooperative is an excellent way to make friends, save money and get some much-needed time for yourself. To set one up:

Arrange An Informal Meeting
Distribute flyers to friends and neighbours who may be interested in forming a cooperative.

Get To Know Each Other
Throw a party so everyone – kids and adults alike have an opportunity to get to know each other.

Organize A Group Of Charter Members
Assign a president and vice president. Make up a list of members, their addresses, phone numbers and children’s ages.

Draft Written Operating Rules
Outline such things as how time is counted e.g. to the nearest half-hour and the maximum number of hours a family can owe.

Rotate ‘Secretarial Duties’
Each month have one family serve as the secretary. Members wishing to schedule a sitter should call the secretary at least 48 hours in advance.

Keep A Log Book
All babysitting transactions should be recorded. A quick look at the member list should tell you how many hours are owed and earned and when you should rotate between secretaries.

Communication Is Paramount
Distribute quarterly newsletters, thanking the secretaries and providing everyone with their totals.

Relax And Have Fun
Take comfort in the fact your child or children are being well cared for. But most of all, take advantage of good thing - get out and enjoy some time by yourself or with your partner without the traditional cost of sitter.