Eleanore Pabarue, who now lives in Blue Bell, took full advantage of the Mt. Airy Babysitting Co-op when she first moved to Philadelphia 37 years ago. Alfred Lubrano, in The Philadelphia Inquirer, reported on this familial resource she found so valuable.

The former English, Latin, French, and history teacher at the Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Bryn Mawr learned about the co-op from the minister who christened her daughter, Kate.

He said, “Thou shalt do the Mt. Airy Babysitting Co-op,” recalled Pabarue. “I listened. And I did what the minister told me to do.”

The co-op, which also includes families in Chestnut Hill, organizes parents who look after each other’s children free of charge. It is currently approaching its 50th year and is most likely the oldest such organization in the area.

Its members also interweave diversity and community-building into their collaboration. “There’s no concern about prejudice or judgment here,” said Pabarue.

The co-op has been incredibly helpful to a huge number of families over the years.

“The babysitting co-op is a lifesaver,” she said. “And so great. In the end, it restores your faith in human kindness.”

Read more about the Mt. Airy Babysitting Co-op in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

_____

More on babysitting co-ops.