How to Exchange Free Babysitting with Friends

Friends can help you get the best babysitting on a regular basis, and it's free!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Friends with kids.

1. Get together with friends who have children.

2. Offer to exchange babysitting with them.

3. Explain the practice; that once a weekend or every other weekend, the kids will all go to one house to spend time while the parents enjoy a kid-free evening.

4. Get the rules in writing, including emergencies, special dates, and other details.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a plan for when a couple is having an anniversary
• Consider trading off babysitting on the day before holidays so that the family without the kids has an easier time cooking
• Don't do this with parents who flake on play dates or get-togethers.

[hrprivett]

on 1/22/2009 As a Mom of 5 children, this really saved us money over the years. It's a little harder to use now, just because of the fact that my children's ages range from 3-13, and not too many families out there have 5 children. It definitely works best to join up with someone who has the same amount of kids. What a money saver!!!!

[amylaine]

on 5/10/2008 This is the best way to do it.