"I can always babysit for one child, but if they're not available at the times I need, there's another family I can use as my babysitter," said Csizmadia.
The co-op is structured somewhat like a bank and records are kept by the co-op secretary. You receive points for babysitting, and are charged points for having someone babysit your children.
"We started the co-op with 11 families," said Csizmadia.
Over the years, the number of families involved in this co-op has been as low as eight and as high as 21 although you can start a co-op with just three families. Jane Purnell joined a few years ago, and daughter Gwendolyn is glad she did. Jane offers this advice for those just starting a babysitting co-op:
"Decide what is important to you. Is it just the sits? Or do you do want to do more community giving, ongoing parental education - which we do now. There also some resources online," said Purnell.
And this co-op is a money saver. Each member is saving an average of $1,000 per year.
At the same time, they're enjoying peace of mind.
"You just feel confident having another parent who you're in community with - sit for your child. You never worry," said Csizmadia.
Because the co-ops are not open to the public, there are far fewer legal issues. And because there's almost always a sitter available, co-op moms report far more social issues - like dating and dining out.
