If you've read about the Creation of Jellyfish Connection, you'd know that this website was born from an idea to start a babysitting co-op for parents who have very little time to themselves and want to avoid the astronomical costs of child care, which is on average $60 a day for one child. Having an extra $60 in your pocket at the end of the week could be a huge help to some families.

If you babysit another child while that mum returns the favour and has your child for a day, or even a few hours it could reduce your family’s weekly expenses significantly, or simply give you time to get some shopping or your hair done in peace & quiet - it's completely up to you how you use your free time!

How does the babysitting co-op work?

• First of all it's important that you are comfortable with, and have complete trust in the people you're giving responsibility of your child(ren) to so it is important that you attend Play Dates to get to know a group of parents first. If you do not wish to continue then there's no obligation to participate in the babysitting co-op at all
• It's best if there are a number of small groups (4-8 families) who are in close proximity to each other to make the arrangement convenient 

The co-op will work on a points system

• You earn one point per hour (or part there of) per child that you look after e.g. if you have 1 child for 2 hours you have earnt yourself 2 points
• You are then entitled to redeem your 2 points and have someone in your group babysit your child for 2 hours - it does not have to be the same parent of the child you looked after
• The original parent who had you look after her child owes the group 2 points, which can be redeemed by anyone else. If that person who redeems them isn't using points previously earnt then they now owe the group 2 points
• points will be capped so one person is not doing all the babysitting or redeeming, the responsibilities must be shared around the group - what a great excuse for a 'date night - I must use my points'

There are also points variations - 2 children & night time babysitting = 1.5 points, night time babysitting with dinner = 2 points

This may sound confusing in writing (actually totally does!!!), but the important thing to know is that it's fair for everyone and as you become involved it will be explained more clearly and make a lot more sense - I promise!! Jellyfish Connection Admin will begin keeping track of the points to get things started.

The rules!

1. Jellyfish Connection will hold regular play dates specifically for those interested in the babysitting co-op so that parents can meet, discuss their values and get to know one another before exchanging any details. It's understandable that you need to feel completely comfortable and have total trust in a person before you would leave your children with them and the group will have to make sure every member is suitable for the babysitting co-op
2. Its entirely up to the person requiring care to make sure the babysitter and their home environment suits their individual needs
3. If individuals are happy to have their details (not personal, but location, number of children and availability) being posted on Jellyfish Connection they must first become a registered member and the details will only be able to be viewed by other registered members
4. All registered members are manually approved by Jellyfish Connection Administration
5. Any arrangement made is a private agreement between the individuals or families and is not the responsibility of Jellyfish Connection.

Play Dates

Regular Play Dates will run for families wishing to participate in the Babysitting co-op in several locations including Kids Warehouse (Carrum Downs), The Silly Seahorse Playcentre & Cafe (Chelsea Heights) Karingal Place (Frankston) plus Langwarrin & Mt Eliza.

Increase your support network, make new friendships for you and your children, chat about the joys and challenges of parenthood & utilise this network to look after the most important person in your life - YOU!

Yes your child(ren) or partner are probably considered the most important person or people in your life, but if you are not in good shape, if you don't look after yourself mentally & emotionally and have valuable connections with your community then it becomes harder to look after those you love.

Use the babysitting network to take some time for yourself, recharge, clear your head, go shopping, exercise, get a massage, have your hair & nails done - or do NOTHING!

Cost for Play Dates - varies, they will generally be Free except for perhaps a small contribution of fruit or a plate, which will be organised at a later time. If held at the Silly Seahorse Play Centre & Café there will be a cost of somewhere between $15-$20 which includes an entry & lunch package 

If you are interested in the Babysitting Co-op & Play Dates please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it