Has Anyone Ever Started or Participated in a Babysitting Cooperative?

I am hoping to start one in my Ballantyne neighborhood but am a little timid. Has anybody had experience with one? Some folks say to be very clear on the *rules*, like making sure one family doesn't always use the co-op and never provide babysitting in return. I bet there are books/websites out there but just thought I'd ask if anybody had personal experience.

We don't have any family in Charlotte so have had to rely on friends/coworkers who offer to babysit. But now the offers are few and far between and we grimace at paying $10/hour for a sitter. So a co-op sounds ideal for free sitting and giving parents a night out. We would not mind watching another child to allow his parents time out. It would actually benefit my son to have a playmate for a night! :)

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S. answers from Charlotte on September 26, 2006

N.,

Let me know about the Babysitting co-op - we don't live that far from you and it would be great to not always have to rely on the Grandparents in Waxhaw. Thanks!

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H.B. answers from Charlotte on September 18, 2006

Hi N.! I live over in Steele Creek, but I would be interested in starting this as well. I have mentioned this to other mothers here and I haven't received a response. We are a little ways away, but not too far! Give me a call at ###-###-#### if interested. My son is about to be 2 next week so they're in the same age group as well.

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J.B. answers from Charlotte on September 18, 2006

Hello!
Not familiar on the babysitting cooperative, however,we moved here a little over two weeks ago. We know no one and have a three year old boy. We relocated from Va. and left behind several grandparents. We are currently living in an apartment in Ballantyne and recently bought a house in Indian Trail. We are in desperate need of a night out and would love to exchange the favor. Would you like to get together with the boys and meet one another??? You may reach me at ###-###-####.
J. B.

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L.W. answers from Charlotte on September 27, 2006

I'm interested too, but don't know how to get one started. I have a 4 year old boy and a 16 month old girl. My number is ###-###-#### and I live in Waxhaw.

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