Babysitting Co-ops and New Babies

Babysitting co-ops and young families go hand-in-hand. In fact, the reason babysitting co-op exists is because we’re in the business of creating and raising children. If you are one of those moms who might still be looking forward to expanding your family, we wish you the best. There’s nothing more exhilarating than learning that you’re expecting and then welcoming a beautiful new child into your household. And at the same time, there’s nothing more exhausting than being pregnant and adapting to the schedule of a precious newborn.

When news comes that a co-op member is expecting a new baby, be prepared to make some adjustments. Your newly pregnant friend may find that she’s terribly ill during those early months. And once she finally feels like she’s got her burst of energy back, she may start feeling very tired as she enters the final trimester. Certainly, we’ve all been there and can lend a sympathetic ear when these days are challenging. When this time comes, and it will come, babysitting co-op can come to the rescue and help in many different ways.

• The new mother can take time off from babysitting while still using the co-op for much-needed rest.
• Co-op members can chip in and provide the new parents with a couple of home-cooked meals.
• Co-op parents can provide moral support for the new baby's siblings, who may feel left out and discouraged.

The illustration above is from a new book by Lola M. Schaefer. It's called One Special Day, and it's about a little boy named Spencer whose world changes when his mom has a new baby. I love this book because it's very positive, reinforcing Spencer's good traits and self-awareness while adding a new dimension and role to his young life.

If your own children or some of the other co-op children are facing this life-changing and exciting event, read the story to them to start a conversation about their concerns and excitement.