BabySitting Circles do they exist

[reneet]

I have been struggling with finding a babysitter (where to start that is, actually done nothing yet). I currently use friends and family (who i have to arm twist), they all live far from London and can only baby sit on weekends. My mother in law is always going on about babysitting circles and how useful they were when she was bringing up her children. When I lived in the country, I had arrangements with 2 mums who would baby sit when i wanted and I would reciprocate when they needed me too.

Sorry I seem to be writing aimlessly, I find it hard trusting my child with people I don't know (I tend to be paranoid). I feel that the process of finding a sitter involves my daughter meeting them several times with me there, it feels like interviews and stuff (sorry off the mark again).

Anyway I think baby sitting circles were a good thing because i would trust someone with my child if they trust me with their child as well, and its also a cheap alternative. Might not be practical for the working mum as I have to leave my child whom i have not seem all day to look after another child,and days when I am around I might need to go out as well.

Don't know why I started this thread, probably because I am struggling with the sitter thing and being technically a single mum does not help much, issues like what happens if I become ill, like I am today hubby is 3hrs drive away. Well just life I think.

Sorry no point to my post just thinking out loud :)

[ludoscotts]

hi do you regularly meet other mums? I have 3 mums that I meet up with once or twice a week and we informally sit for each other. Works out well as the kids know all the mums as we see them all of the time.Do you have mums like this that you could arrange this with or you are welcome to come and have coffee and get to know us, leanne

[lorraineliyanage]

i'd definitely be interested in getting involved in something like this