As much as we all love our kids and want to spend time with them there are times we need a sitter. You might have a wedding to attend, a work function, need a few hours to Christmas shop or just want a date night with your spouse. Whatever the reason leaving your children with someone you don’t know or unsure of is not a good idea.
I was lucky enough to move in to a neighborhood that has a baby-sitting co-op. It’s greatest thing! You have to be sponsored to join and are given coupons to trade for sitting. If you need a sitter you simply email the group or call one of your favorites. It’s that easy – you trade sitting with other Moms.
My group meets once a month to go over business and discuss baby-sitting dates needed. The meetings are required but they are short and it’s a good way to get to know the other Moms. We only allow people in our neighborhood so your sitter is never more than 5 minutes away.
When you join we do a home inspection and you have to attend 2 meetings before you are allowed to sit. The rules we have in place aren’t strict but they do help. Occasionally we will do a Mom night perhaps a movie out somewhere or game night at someone’s house.
Until I had a child I was ok with teenage babysitters. I still think there are some that are fine but I really like that my child is with an adult that I know. It’s also nice to know that she gets to play with other kids.
I mentioned this to a friend in another state and she started one in her neighborhood. Her group has been in place about a year now. That group is smaller but they’ve had a good year and have developed their own rules and systems.
I do have friends I trade sitting with but having a group of 25 sitters to use is awesome! I have my favorites, usually the ones with kids near my daughters’ age, but it’s so nice to have so many people to rely on. So far I’ve been able to find a sitter for every date I’ve needed.
This has got me to thinking. My husband and I haven’t been on a date night in months and we have a Cheesecake Factory gift card. I think I’ll get a sitter for Saturday night. Dinner out sounds good doesn’t it?
Post a comment if you have any questions or if oyu are in a co-op and want to share your ideas on this.
Published by Robin Dary on October 27, 2005 02:17 PM
