1 post tagged “baby-sitting co-ops”
These days babysitting can cost you some serious dough. Shelling out the babysitters fee on top of the cost of a night out can empty your wallet in no time. This is why babysitting cooperatives are popping up everywhere.
In a babysitting co-op, usually there are about 6 families but can be as few at 3 or more than 20. A different parent will act as the "secretary" each month and keep track of everyone's points. A point system is established that states how many points are earned per hour per child. Parents will earn points each time they care for the children of another family in the co-op. Then, they in turn will use their points to "pay" for childcare.
Some of the many benefits to this system are:
- no money is needed to pay for a babysitter
- everyone else in the co-op has children so the kids get a playdate out of it
- parents are caring for your children so you know your sitter is experienced!
- you know your childcare provider well because it is usually one of your friends and/or neighbors
No system is perfect, but in this case, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Lisa McLellan
