Reader Rosann wrote me yesterday asking about starting a babysitting cooperative. Her goal was really to join one that was already in existence.  Here is my suggestion for starting a babysitting cooperative or joining one.

A friend of mine started a babysitting cooperative in our neighborhood.  She invited 15 of her friends to start it with her.  We were lucky to be one of the families included. First, we all met on a specific day so that we could meet one another and discuss the rules. Everyone seemed nice enough and responsible enough so we all signed up.

At the meeting, we passed around a sheet where we listed parent(s)’ names, phone numbers, emails and child’s name.  This was needed for future meeting notifications and in case you wanted to contact a family individually.

Then we talked about rules. First, we agreed to use the website www.babysittingexchange.com to tally points, send out requests etc. We all contributed $5 towards the fee for the site administration. It works seamlessly- you get credit for every 15 minutes of babysitting and you can choose who you want to sit for you.  You can see all the rules on their site- I won’t go into them here.

We all used it a ton at the beginning, but not much lately. I don’t know why we use it less as we all saved a lot of money. If you consider a babysitter here costs anywhere from $12-15 an hour and doing a coop doesn’t cost you anything but time…then it really can’t be beat.

If you want to join a babysitting coop that has already started, I would suggest joining your neighborhood yahoo group and asking if anyone has a coop that is looking for members. Or ask people on the yahoo group if they want to start one.

Here is to nights out and free days!

To read related posts on babysitting cooperatives:

• Babysitting Cooperatives are Fun and Cheap
  

• Nannies and Sitters

• Looking For A Nanny or Sitter

• Parents Groups

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