Childcare Exchange

[jojosmommy]

My girlfriend and I were talking about doing a daycare exchange. She has 2 kids, so do I. Both close in age. We have the exact same parenting style-discipline style same. We live 3 houses apart. Neither of us ever goes out, not even for dates with our husbands. My dd has health issues so not just anyone can be trusted to care for her. In my friends case her mom died of cancer a few years back, and her dad doesn't like changing diapers (old school gpa). Her husbands family can't be trusted with kids. So basically that leaves us with limited options, which we don't feel like we would use and "enjoy" a night out.

We were thinking about watching the others kids, one evening a month, like Fri or Sat for 4-5 hours so the other couple could go out. I know these two are fair people, like they wouldn't take advantage of it. Like one couple do it one month and the other the next.

Does anyone do this? What "rules" do you have? What tips do you have to make this work? Formal or relaxed approach? At your own house or the other couples? Obviously, we would have our own kids with so there would be 4 kids together total. Any ideas would be awesome.

[Blackcat31]

I can't offer much advice or any tips as I have not been in this situation but I do tink it is a wonderful way for you (and friend) to get some time alone with DH and know your kids are safe and wll cared for and having a good time with their friends!

I love the idea and think it is great! happyface

[Kiki]

I would do it for sure! I do this already, but with my sister. We rotate it out each month on who's house they go to for the night. It really helps out a lot to get those nights away. If you trust them, go for it and get that alone time!

[SunshineMama]

My girlfriend and I were talking about doing a daycare exchange. She has 2 kids, so do I. Both close in age. We have the exact same parenting style-discipline style same. We live 3 houses apart. Neither of us ever goes out, not even for dates with our husbands. My dd has health issues so not just anyone can be trusted to care for her. In my friends case her mom died of cancer a few years back, and her dad doesn't like changing diapers (old school gpa). Her husbands family can't be trusted with kids. So basically that leaves us with limited options, which we don't feel like we would use and "enjoy" a night out.

We were thinking about watching the others kids, one evening a month, like Fri or Sat for 4-5 hours so the other couple could go out. I know these two are fair people, like they wouldn't take advantage of it. Like one couple do it one month and the other the next.

Does anyone do this? What "rules" do you have? What tips do you have to make this work? Formal or relaxed approach? At your own house or the other couples? Obviously, we would have our own kids with so there would be 4 kids together total. Any ideas would be awesome.

I do this with my friends for similar reasons. We will take their son for an evening while they go out, and they will take our daughters for an evening so we can go out. We always take the children to the home of whomever is watching the children that night, and they get put to bed at their house. I have had no problems at all with this. I always felt bad because I have 2 difficult kids, and their son is an angel, but they dont seem to mind and are always the ones to bring up doing another exchange.