How to start your own babysitting co-op
It might not take a full village to raise a child, but a few trusted friends on speed dial. Mom of two, Narique Sangster, shares some insights.
When you’re a busy parent, you can use all the help you can get when it comes to caring for your children and doing the things that make you feel whole as a person. For those who have moved away from their families and have no support structure at all, a co-op could really be a lifesaver. The same is true for anyone who wants to really connect with new people and build a community for yourself and your children. It’s the perfect example of friends becoming family.
What is a babysitting co-op?
In short, a co-op is a community of like-minded parents who share knowledge, resources and most importantly, take turns to share babysitting time.
And if you’re thinking that you have enough responsibility and don’t want to commit to looking after other people’s children too, don’t stress. Baby-sitting co-ops are great for the kids, and the arrangement often feels more like a playdate than babysitting since the children generally keep themselves busy.
How to start a co-op of your own
First, find like-minded parents who have similar values and parenting styles. Often, it takes a bit of searching to find a group that is right for your family. Perhaps you live in the same neighbourhood, work in the same department, are part of a specific parenting group on social media, or you’ve met at playgroup or swimming classes – stay open to the possibilities. Trust and true connection are two of the most important factors at play here, so follow your instincts.
Once you have found your ideal group of at least 3 families, figure out how you’re going to stay connected. Will it be over email or a Whatsapp group? It’s also important to agree on some practical ground rules, such as the length and frequency of babysitting “turns”, and how you will be keeping everything fair and mutually beneficial for each family. Speaking of which…
Keep the rotation going
No judgement policy
It’s essential to put a no-judgement policy in place with your co-op community, whether it’s the kind of foods you feed your child, the books you read to them, or the philosophies you hold dear, it’s important that your community remains supportive of absolutely everyone involved. Similarly, sometimes parents just need a break – even if that means doing grocery shopping alone (and perhaps heading to FoxBox for a quick mani after). That’s when your co-op community comes to the rescue.
For many, babysitting co-ops have been the beginning of lasting friendships for parents and little ones, and a great source of valuable learning and sharing. So, if you’re wanting to find a community-based childcare solution that benefits both you and your children, starting a babysitting co-op is a great way to go. Because we all get by with a little help from our mom-friends.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article/post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Woolworths or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and/or advisers.