Moms Speak Up

Dear Gary,

Years ago my Mother participated in a co-op like what you describe. She gave me some suggestions on how it was done but I was having trouble relaying the idea to others, figuring out the details and fine print. So I went searching far and wide for information when I found your book which has everything I was hoping for plus so much more that never occurred to me. I am so greatful. I now feel empowered to inspire my fellow Moms to get out and do things without child in tow with the confidence they are being well cared for. To get us started I would like to order 10 books at your special $9.00 rate. Thank you so much for putting this information into print. Yea!

Sincerely,
Laura Welch

Dear Tukwila Pres

Would you pass along a note to Gary Myers to express my appreciation for the Babysitting Coop book he wrote and passed along to me during our recent stint on jury duty together? I am very excited about the concept and will be introducing it to our MOM's group at church. So - you may be hearing from me soon for so more orders! God's blessing to you and to Gary for taking on this wonderful cause to help out mothers of little ones.

Just as an update, we've done our start-up meeting hope to have a full complement of moms plus completed home visits by the end of February, with sits starting no later than March. I started with a mom's group in which I participate, but there wasn't quite enough interest (and, as you can see from the delay in my correspondence, the holidays made us moms pretty busy). So, now we're trying to recruit a total of about a dozen moms to start through the sponsoring method.

Everything has been self-explanatory. Most of the moms who are participating have been very career-oriented before staying home with their kids and some currently work part-time. One comment they all have been making is how professional and business-like the process seems to be. As I used to be a full-time management consultant, I agree (and I love the flow charts!).

Have a great day.
Beth Kalusniak

Dear Gary,

We just place an order for 6 more of your books and look forward to receiving them. I am the current leader of our baby-sitting co-op in Suffolk, VA. Our co-op was started about 5 years ago by a group of moms in our neighborhood. Those moms have either moved away or the children have outgrown the co-op. We are in an area with alot of military so most of us do not have family nearby. The co-op has been a life saver! We currently have 15 families in our co-op and our system works great. We have amended some rules along the way that fit our group but for the most part follow the book. We require all moms to have a copy of your book so we all know the rules. A few past members have kept their books with intentions of starting a co-op in their new location. Thank you again for this book.

Sincerely,
Christine Rocks

Dear SMBC

I am interested in starting a co-op in the Chicago area. The only problem is that I really don't know anyone here. I'm originally from Mississippi, and have never really made friends here. I work at Northwestern University and was thinking of putting up flyers for interested parties. I will pass your book on to others. I think this is a great idea, I just have never started anything before, so I'm kind of scared. I'm a single mom who works. I don't make much money, so I can barely afford daycare. Going out or running errands without my daughter is totally out of the question. I can't even get my hair done on occasion. I'm not trying to find a permanent alternative sitter, just a program where I can leave my daughter for an hour or so to do things that I can't do with her like dentist, doctor, and hair appointments. I haven't even been to the movies since she was born. I'm about to go insane! The website was wonderful. I will try and get the word out for other moms in need of this kind of help.

Thanks,
Paula

Dear SMBC

We have 24 members in our playgroup, but only 6 signed up to be part of the baby-sitting co-op. I've used it and so has 1 other mom. Other than that, I think people are afraid to use it. It's been great for me & the other mom so far! I actually got to go to the doctor's office alone! I haven't done that in 6 years. :) Thanks for asking. I'm just going to keep working on it and hopefully we'll get more moms interested.

Cheri Benz

Dear Gary,

Thank you for writing this book. I am hoping this will be my answer to surviving life with children. I have purchased your book, have read it cover to cover, have downloaded the 36 pages of "Free Stuff", and am about to embark on starting a babysitting co-op. I would like to purchase 3 more books to begin this journey.

Melissa Hallam

Hi fellow Mother!

I am desperately in need of a babysitting co-op. The idea sounds very efficient! Can you share ways in which I can get it started in my area? Finding someone to keep my 3 year old is extremely challenging. I feel frustrated and at a dead end. I need to do things in order to provide for us, but without any income I cannot afford childcare. If you can give me guidance and support in getting one going here, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

In the spirit of mothering.....
Angelique Shofar

Hi,

I am so happy I found your website! I am interested in starting a co-op in Huntington Indiana. I'm a stay at home mom right now with 2 kids and I find myself thinking all the time about how I wish I knew other mothers who I could trade sitting with...plus the friendship! I know there just have to be other moms like me in this town who would really appreciate something like this. I would like to order one book to read and get started!

Carla