| These days, incomes are getting smaller and smaller, | | | | main drawbacks of homeschooling, namely that of |
| while expenses are getting bigger and bigger. | | | | limited social interaction. |
| Meanwhile, if parents aren't busy chasing careers, | | | | - It's free free free! Specific rules will depend on each |
| they're busy chasing kids! | | | | babysitting co-op, but most will be based upon a |
| Raising kids is tiring and expensive, and that's why | | | | points-based system. Getting babysitting for your |
| babysitting co-ops have been rising in popularity. | | | | children will cost points, while babysitting other children |
| Babysitting co-ops have been featured on CNN and in | | | | will earn points. |
| publications like Parenting, Newsweek, The Wall Street | | | | There may already be an existing babysitting co-op in |
| Journal, and the Washington Post. | | | | your area, ask around! Try approaching other parents |
| The babysitting co-op system is simple, yet effective. | | | | at the church or childcare centre you frequent. |
| Basically, families in a community take turns babysitting | | | | Otherwise, it's easy to start one up from scratch, with |
| each others' children as a group. This is better than | | | | as few as just 3 families involved. Make sure that rules |
| your typical babysitter set-up because: | | | | are set out in advance in black and white, as this well |
| - It creates a stronger sense of community, with | | | | help avoid any misunderstandings and feelings of |
| neighbours getting to know one another better. | | | | resentment later on. |
| - Children make new friends. This can solve one of the | | | | |