Daytime Free Time:
Build Your Own Babysitting Co-op
By Sandi Leska
Sometimes stay-at-home mothers need a break from work -- or a break to work. I had no luck finding babysitting options for just a few hours a week. I tried a few teenagers last summer but never felt comfortable with them. Plus I really wanted to get the kids out of the house so I could get some work done.
So last fall, I joined a babysitting co-op. Now I am stepping up to take my turn as co-chair and have gained great respect for the woman who founded our co-op. She did much more than just gather a group of parents interested in exchanging babysitting services.
Here's how our babysitting co-op operates:
Cashless accounting
Our founder suggested tracking points or creating currency to purchase babysitting services within the co-op, so that no actual money is exchanged. Tracking points on a check register makes it easy to calculate partial hour sits and to audit usage. Creating currency requires manufacturing tokens to physically exchange.
We voted for tracking points. The co-op secretary tracks everyone's points to ensure accuracy and encourage using members with low points. Each member pays a couple of points for a monthly administrative fee, which are distributed to the secretary, co-chairperson and chairperson.
A sit costs two points per hour for the first child and one more point per hour for each additional child. Overtime is charged for evening and weekend sits, since most members are reluctant to share that family time. Lastly, a half point is charged for providing a meal.
Each month, I get a spreadsheet showing everyone's usage and point levels. I know who has used whom, who needs points and who has points to burn. If I need points, I suggest a local sale or a romantic outing to a member with an excess of points.
Safe home away from home
Our founder used several bylaws samples as a starting point. Safety was a huge part in every one. A safe environment for kids requires consistent understanding of safety issues. We summed up our safety concerns with three forms.
Inspection safety checklist This is a list of safety requirements for each member's home. We don't all meet every requirement; the form has an exceptions column to communicate unique situations. Every member's completed form is available for viewing by other members. Our checklist started with examples we found online, such as www.homesafetycouncil.org.... (.pdf) and www.ianr.unl.edu...... Revisions are done as we take time to further discuss risks, including access to guns, chemicals/cleaners, garages, freezer chests, knives, breakables, electronics and adult publications.
Medical release form A signed medical release form ensures that your child will receive necessary medical care in a timely fashion in case of emergency. You've probably already filled out one of these before if you've signed up your kids for sport programs or camps.
Personal preferences and contact information This form outlines allergies, behavior issues, acceptable activities, approved snacks, comforting techniques, schedule, telephone numbers and so on. Basically, it includes everything a sitter should be told to ensure the safety and comfort of each child.
I always questioned if my teenaged babysitters really respected my preferences, but I find most of the members of my co-op actually share my preferences against violence, video time, sweets and so on.
Meeting expectations
The bulk of the bylaws describe expectations and responsibilities for co-op members.
Travel bag Some co-ops expect sitters to provide diapers and incidentals for the children they sit. We expect parents to pack what might be needed for their own children – a second outfit, snacks, meals, beverages, diapers, rash guard and so on.
Child's behavior and health We clearly outline what constitutes a sick child and what constitutes unacceptable behavior (such as biting).
Member's behavior and health Adult courtesies cannot be assumed. I'm glad we document expectations such as sitter health; vacuuming before a sit; 100 percent supervision during the sit; reparations for damages; and timely drop-off and pick-up.
Usage As a new member, I started out with 40 points. I earn points by sitting, hosting meetings, chairing meetings or serving as secretary. I spend points for administration and using sitters. I am not allowed to go over 80 points, and I'm required to spend at least 20 every revolving three months or risk suspension.
Leadership Besides using sitters and sitting kids, each member must take their turn as secretary, co-chairperson and chairperson.
Legal issues I fully support agreements that encourage parents to be responsible for their own choices. In regard to our internal disagreements, my co-op utilizes a chairperson and co-chairperson to act as arbitrator and counsel.
The success of our babysitting co-op is rooted in maintaining relationships between the members beyond the business of babysitting. I see these parents at play dates, meetings and around the community. I have found a safe and fun environment for my kids when I need a break from them. They have found playmates galore, while I have found friendships and parenting support.
© Sandi Leska
Sandi Leska is a stay-at-home mom in Minnesota. She is heavily involved in the MOMS Club of Inver Grove Heights/South St. Paul as its newsletter editor, playgroup coordinator, cooking group chair and babysitting co-op co-chair.
