Updated: Oct. 3, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 2, 2023
A couple of summers ago, while enjoying a coffee break with two fellow moms, one of them proposed a refreshing idea. “How about we try a kid swap this summer?” she suggested. “Each of us could take turns caring for all the kids one day a week—whether at the park, our homes, or wherever—and that would give us two days off without any kids. What do you think?”
With each of us having three children aged between 3 and 14, that meant one day a week, we’d be responsible for nine kids. However, the prospect of enjoying two kid-free days sounded fantastic.
We quickly organized our cooperative parenting plan. Before the week kicked off, we coordinated our work schedules—each of us juggling multiple part-time jobs—to determine which days were best for kid swapping. With one mom, Lisa, working 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the home, and the rest of us managing our time while working remotely, we settled on the hours of 10:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. We ensured the kids were well-prepped with lunches, snacks, water bottles, and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
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Initially, we were apprehensive. Would the kids tire of each other? Would the chaos of managing nine kids outweigh the joy of our two free days? Thankfully, those concerns proved unfounded. After two successful summers of swapping, the only adjustment we would make is to invest in a 12-passenger van. Our swap days have taken place in parks, movie theaters, pools, and backyards. The children engage in games, mixing in small groups or pairs, while the older kids step up to help with the younger ones. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Having done this for two years now, I firmly believe that three-way kid swapping is one of the best parenting strategies out there. Managing nine kids for half a day feels surprisingly manageable, as they always have someone to play with. Most of the time, they’re outside, which means minimal hands-on involvement from us moms.
The kids unleash their creativity, coming up with fun activities. Just the other day, the younger kids spent most of the time playing Spirit Animals in our entryway. Our collection of board games and cards has seen considerable action, and they invent their own versions of hide-and-seek or host contests like who can squat the longest. This unstructured play is exactly what many lament is missing from modern childhood.
Sometimes, one of us suggests a fun science experiment, arts and crafts, or a sports activity, but we’ve discovered that the kids are perfectly capable of finding their own entertainment. Nine kids plus a cupboard full of games and access to the outdoors is more than sufficient.
On those rare rainy days or when things seem to spiral out of control (which happens occasionally), we’ll turn on a movie or let them play video games for a short while. However, they rarely depend on screens to stave off boredom. These kid swap days have significantly boosted our kids’ social skills and creativity.
And of course, the benefits extend to us moms. With two days of free childcare, we can rest assured our kids are in good hands. That means nine uninterrupted hours of work time and a clean, quiet house for a change. It’s simply wonderful.
Cooperative parenting addresses so many challenges. I highly encourage you to connect with two or three like-minded families to explore a kid swapping system tailored to your needs. It’s absolutely worth it. For more parenting tips, check out this excellent resource on family-building options. If you’re also navigating the journey of home insemination, consider visiting this blog post for additional insights. For those with little ones, this guide offers valuable advice on room-sharing between toddlers and babies.
In summary, kid swapping can be a game changer for parents seeking balance and support. By working together with other families, you can create a nurturing environment for your children while gaining precious time for yourself.