One of the most common concerns we hear from co-op parents
is that they just don’t know the other moms well enough. They get ten minutes
to chat during pick-up and drop-off, but they’d really like some good solid
time to get to know each other better.
In larger
co-ops, some moms always feel like they’re out on the fringe, never getting
asked to babysit because nobody knows them well enough to feel comfortable
calling them up and bringing their children over.
What’s the
solution to this problem? Organize some social gatherings where moms can sit
around and talk about high school, child development, international politics,
and what they’re going to make for dinner. It doesn’t need to be fancy or long,
but it should be comfortable for everyone, and nobody should have to find a
sitter for it—that would defeat the purpose.
Playgroups
work well for moms with preschool-aged children. Take turns hosting the
playgroup in homes during the winter, but during the summer just meet at a park
and everyone can bring their own lunches. The children will stay busy on the
playground, and the moms can sit and enjoy the sunshine and each other’s
company.
Potlucks
are a fun way to include dads and older children who aren’t home during normal
co-op hours. Just a few potluck dinners a year can bond a group. Involving the
dads and older siblings also makes the co-op feel like a family affair, instead
of just what the moms and little kids do during the day. Many dads like to be
involved in all aspects of their kids’ lives, and they want to know the people
their children spend time with.
Along the
same lines, holiday parties make fun traditions for co-op groups. Besides
Christmas parties, you could get together on the 4th of July, Labor
Day, Memorial Day, or Halloween. In areas where trick-or-treating isn’t
practical, a Halloween party might fill an important need.
Social
gatherings are great, but you can spend some valuable time as a co-op providing
service to each other and to complete strangers. As a group, you’ve already
learned to cooperate, so putting your cooperation to use in another way makes
sense.
As a co-op,
you could organize a clothing exchange, where everyone brings children’s or
maternity clothes that they’re not currently using and exchanges them for
currently needed items.. You could set it up so that everyone gets their items
back after they’re used, or you might just treat all items like donations. Such
a system cuts down on individual families’ storage requirements and can save
everyone a lot of money.
In the same
vein, set up a toy or equipment exchange. New toys are always more fun than old
ones, but you don’t want to go out and buy new toys every few months. Just
rotate them among the group, and the kids won’t ever get bored with what they have
to play with. Likewise, let your group know if you have a baby crib or a
changing table you’re not using. Instead of taking equipment to a thrift store
when you’re done with it, trade it for something you need. In a group of
families all raising children, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
A cohesive,
cooperative group can be a great force for good in many ways. Make the most of
it.
