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Creative Childcare on a Budget Oregon

Parents need timeout from parental duties to keep the spark between husband and wife ablaze.

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Zion Lutheran School
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2800 NW Tyler Ave
Corvallis, OR
Corvallis Montessori School
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2730 NW Greeley Ave
Corvallis, OR
Noahs Ark Preschool
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Corvallis, OR
Ashbrook Independent School
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4045 SW Research Way
Corvallis, OR
Little Beavers Preschool
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4940 NW Highway 99
Corvallis, OR
Small World School
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1924 NW Division St
Corvallis, OR
Adams Elementary School
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Corvallis, OR
Corvallis High School
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1400 NW Buchanan Ave
Corvallis, OR
Corvallis Public Schools
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Corvallis, OR
Cheldelin Middle School
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987 NE Conifer Blvd
Corvallis, OR

By Beth D. Stevens

Parents need timeout from parental duties to keep the spark between husband and wife ablaze. Whether it's a table for two, a concert, movie, or even a sleep over (empty nest or at an inn), quality time as a couple is important to a marriage and family.

If you don't think you can afford these dates without worrying about your kids' happiness and safety, and childcare costs, you're not alone. For this reason, consider a child-swapping network with other couples. It's a convenient, inexpensive, reliable and rewarding alternative to a babysitter.

How to Initiate Child-swapping

  • Casting call. Choose a couple you know well from your neighborhood, church, or social group.
  • Seek similar ages. It's nice to choose friends who have children the same ages as your kids.
  • Make a good deal. Offer to take care of the couple's children in exchange.

    The Rules

  • Pick a date. Select one weekend night a month as a regular date night. Agree on a reasonable time frame -- 5-10pm once a month, with a longer night or sleep over every three or four months.
  • Put it in ink. Record the dates on a calendar and make a copy of that calendar to distribute to your child swapping pals. Suggest placing it in a noticeable spot (e.g., on the refrigerator).
  • Backup plan. Discuss a cancellation policy. (In case of an illness or emergency, will you reschedule or cancel?) As Lynda Hannan points out, small kids often get sick.
  • Personal preferences. Create a list of your kids' food preferences, bedtime routines, or favorite activities. Ditto for special needs like medicines and allergies.
  • Trial play dates. To make sure everyone gets along, schedule a few group play dates.
  • Game plan. Be prepared to entertain the kids when they arrive. Try games, cooking activities, crafts, or movies.

    The Perks for Parents

  • No interruptions. Parents benefit from time alone. "The time out together was wonderful -- time to talk without having to get up to take care of someone," say Paul and Betsy Bissmeyer.
  • Cost efficient. Lynda Hannan says, "It is fantastic to get away and not have to worry about paying for a sitter. A night out definitely gets expensive when you add twenty or thirty dollars for a sitter."
  • Support system. You can share parenting, medical, and discipline tips. And you know who to call in case of an emergency.
  • Rejuvenating. As the Bissmeyers attest, "We were always refreshed and ready for snuggles again when we got home."

    The Perks for Kids

  • Friends forever.Sometimes the friendships become deep and long lasting.
  • Surrogate parents. Kids bond with other caring adults, providing someone else to turn to when Mom and Dad can't be there.
  • Improves social skills. One mother found it especially helpful to leave her baby with a close friend for short time at an early age. "My husband often traveled and my daughter became very attached to me. Once I started leaving my girl with others, even for short time periods, it did us both a world of good."

    For more information, go to Realfamiliesrealfun.com.

    • Featured Local Company

    Zion Lutheran School

    (541) 758-1554
    2800 NW Tyler Ave
    Corvallis, OR
    http://www.zioncorvallis.com
    Read more about Creative Childcare on a Budget

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