Babysitting in Scottsdale Part 3: Start a babysitting co-op

Moms are so resourceful.  Got a run in your hose?  Here’s some nail polish.  Is your hem tattered and you don’t have a needle?  Here’s a stapler.  Gum in your hair?  Make it a real mess and add some peanut butter… or is it just butter? 

Although, I have to say, I didn’t know just how resorceful Mommies actually are… that is until Julie B. introduced me to Moms Helping Moms Babysitting Co-op of North Scottsdale (ended in 2004).

This collective group of families lived close to each other (there were actual boundaries) and traded babysitting.  They tracked their “sits” through a series of points earned/used.  They also had members of the co-op sign a statement of faith, pass a “home visit”, and attend mandatory socials.

Intense.

I loved the idea, and thought that you might too!  So, Julie B. let me borrow the book (yes, they kept a book) so I could learn their ways!  Since we love you so much, we are making the resources from this co-op book available to you, so you can start your own super-organized-activity-coordinating-baby-watching-co-op! 

Now, they disbanded in 2004, so they didn’t have some of the nifty automated services like we do… (If you can get past the clipart, The Smart Moms Babysitting Startup Kit is a great resource for tracking points, coordinated sits and keeping co-op members informed of happenings.)  Essentially The Smart Moms Kit is your Secretary!

Here’s a quick and dirty list of what you need to consider when creating a babysitting co-op:

1. Location– You must live close enough to the people in your co-op for it to be reasonable for you to watch their children and for them to watch yours.  Sorry, but I’m not going to drive to Glendale to drop my kids off before heading out to dinner.  I will just never use it.  So, set geographic boundaries i.e. Grayhawk Residents or something

2. Expectations – Talking about child safety, discipline, food allergies, family rules, etc help to keep friendships healthy.  The Moms Helping Moms Co-op had new members (who could only be invited to join) fill out a Membership Application form, sign and Emergency Authorization Form and go through a “Home Visit” where one “Senior” member of the co-op would check the home to make sure it followed all of the agreed upon guidelines. (Such as firearms being kept under lock and fences to be a safe height.)

3. Getting a Date Night and Giving a Date Night– Earning points for sitting and using points for going out is essentially how this thing works.  There are a million scenarios that come up and it’s good to have that in writing before hand, so you can protect friendships and avoid misunderstandings.  I like having rules so that I can follow them and know what’s expected of me and likewise know what to expect of others.

4. Play Together– I think this is one of the wisest parts of the Moms Helping Moms Co-op.  They had mandatory activities where all the families would get together and share a meal and the kids could all play together.  This helped kids get to know each other better and also encouraged parents to get to know other parents.  And, I can imagine that if it’s not mandatory, then people won’t make it a priority to be there.

Doesn’t all of that sound amazing???  Well, we have all the information that you’ll need to start your co-op.  We have two great downloads for you to check out, chew on and otherwise consider if you want to start a co-op, have one, but aren’t formal, or are just plain curious!  Check it:

1.  Co-op Membership Application, Emergency Authorization Form, Home Visit Checklist and Parent Communication Sheet (Word Doc)

2. Co-op Membership Requirements, Mandatory Safety Rules, Mandatory Guidelines, Dues, How to Use the Co-op, Hours, Organization, Leaves of Absence and Resignations, Grievances, Meetings, Activities (Word Doc)

Now get out there and be resourceful so that you can help other Moms  get a break!