Babysitting Cooperatives: A Better Twist on a Common Practice

I don’t have kids, but even so I’m really excited about this idea – babysitting cooperatives. OK, I realize this may sound intense, formal, and/or like a lot of work.  It’s not.  In fact, it’s just an improvement on a time-honored, yet imperfect, tradition – neighbors and friends babysitting each other’s kids.

The problem (sometimes) with informal arrangements between friends and neighbors is that there is not a formal system to track if people are providing their fair share of babysitting time. Similarly, because it is informal, parents may have starkly different expectations in terms of quality and degree of care (e.g. are children fed a formal meal, or just snacks?).  Setting up a co-op gives a degree of formality which prompts the group to set clear guidelines and expectations. Rather than having to broach an issue that may seem impolite, the co-op structure calls for the discussion.

There are myriad ways to design a co-op, from a shared Google spreadsheet, to online software, to poker chips (this link is also a good primer on starting a co-op).   Sitting  Around  is a new company that specializes in co-ops.  I met the owner at a White House event for young entrepreneurs. Sitting Around’s website serves as a free posting site for existing co-ops in your area (D.C. currently has two), and also gives you the tools to start and advertise your own. The site provides a primer on co-ops, and also offers free (advertising-based) software for setting up and tracking your co-op.

I simply love the idea of babysitting co-ops. I have heard numerous parents complain (privately) about neighbors and friends not doing their fair share in an exchange, but the parents are understandably reluctant to raise the issue.  Co-ops provide accountability and a framework for clear expectations of quality. Best of all, it saves money for doing something you’d already be doing – watching kids.

Have you ever tried a babysitting cooperative?  Story to share?  Interested in the concept?  Let’s hear your thoughts!

Bill Varettoni is a financial planner and founder of Community Ladders.