Parents ga-ga for New Providence babysitting co-op

New Providence parents are bartering services as part of a new co-op babysitting community. Parents involved in the 10-family co-op are able to drop off their children with other families absolutely

News 12 Staff

Aug 21, 2008, 11:00 PM

Updated 5,988 days ago

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New Providence parents are bartering services as part of a new co-op babysitting community.
Parents involved in the 10-family co-op are able to drop off their children with other families absolutely free. The babysitters are simply owed that time back at a later date.
The parents say not only do they get free sitters, but it helps build communities and helps children make friends.
"My husband and I came from New York City, we had two babies and we knew nobody," says Evelyn Minolfo, a participating mom. "It's not about money, it's about giving yourself the flexibility to do the things you want to do."
For families interested in starting similar programs, the co-op recommends starting small with a group of five families or so and then network. They also advise having backup plans and standby babysitters in the occasion none of the families are available to help out.