By: Emily Carter
Updated: Oct. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Oct. 2, 2016
A couple of summers back, I was sipping coffee with two fellow moms when one of them tossed out a brilliant idea. “How about we try a kid swap this summer?” she proposed. “Each of us could take care of all the kids one day a week, whether it’s a trip to the park or game time at home, and then we’d each get two kid-free days. What do you think?”
Considering we all have three kids aged between 3 and 14, that meant one day a week, we’d be wrangling nine children. But the allure of two whole days without kids? Count me in!
Thus began our journey into cooperative parenting. Before the week kicked off, we’d coordinate our work schedules (because let’s face it, we’re all juggling multiple part-time gigs) and decide which days to take. Since one mom, Lisa, had a job outside the home from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the rest of us worked from home, we settled on swapping from 10:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. We’d pack lunches and snacks, and ensure our kids had water bottles and sunscreen for outdoor play.
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We weren’t sure how our plan would unfold. Would the kids tire of each other? Would the bliss of two free days balance the mayhem of a day with nine kiddos? Turns out, our worries were unfounded. We’ve just wrapped up our second summer of swapping, and the only tweak I’d make? A 12-passenger van would be a game-changer! We’ve had our swap days at parks, movie theaters, pools, and backyards. The kids mix and match, sometimes playing as a large group and other times in smaller pairs. The older kids naturally take the lead with the younger ones, creating a win-win for everyone involved.
After two years of this arrangement, I’m convinced that three-way kid swapping is one of the best ideas out there. Managing nine kids for half a day isn’t as daunting as it sounds; they always find someone to play with. Most of the time, they’re outdoors, which means minimal supervision is needed from us.
The creativity flows as they invent games. Just the other day, all but the oldest kids spent hours immersed in a game called Spirit Animals right in our entryway. Our board games and cards are getting a workout, too! They even create variations of hide-and-seek and challenge each other to contests, like who can hold a squat the longest. Talk about unstructured play—exactly what everyone bemoans kids don’t do anymore!
Occasionally, one of us moms introduces a fun science experiment or arts and crafts activity, but honestly, the kids seem to have the most fun when left to their own devices. Nine kids, a treasure trove of games, and the freedom of the great outdoors? That’s all they need!
On those rainy days or when the energy starts to dip, we might throw on a movie or let them have a little time on the Wii. Yet, the majority of the time, they keep themselves entertained without screens. These kid swap days have been fantastic for their social skills and creativity.
And let’s not forget the benefits for us moms. Two days a week of free childcare, knowing our little ones are safe with friends. Nine hours of uninterrupted work time and a tidier house for a moment? Pure bliss!
Cooperative parenting is a solution to so many challenges, and I wholeheartedly recommend teaming up with a few like-minded families to set up your own kid swap. It’s worth every moment! If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, check out this resource for more details.
In summary, kid swapping is a delightful arrangement that benefits both children and parents alike. The kids engage in creative play while parents enjoy precious free time. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on a unique solution to the common parenting struggles we all face.