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.
