Co-op Valentine Party

If it's been a while since your whole co-op got together, it might be nice to plan a Valentine's party so you can see all your friends in one place. Without interrupting the co-op schedule, try to find a time when everyone's available. If you want older kids and working spouses to come as well, plan it for the weekend.

To keep things simple, have everyone bring a potluck dish to share. Kids could exchange valentines. Adults could talk and eat chocolate. If your co-op is lively, you could roll up the rug and put some dance tunes on.

Whole co-op get-togethers are a great way to get to know each other better. If your only interactions with each other are exchanging information about diapers and feeding schedules, you may begin to see each other as only business associates. Also, if new people have joined your co-op recently, give them some good socializing time with the whole group. Others will be more likely to use their shifts if they know them better. So take time to sit down together and relax. And eat. Did I mention chocolate?

If you'd like to know how to make those cute straws in the picture above, click here.