Kids' Stuff

David was handed a bountiful bag of pre-loved and barely used clothes from his neighbour and was surprised at how quickly his daughter grew in to and out of them. He handed it over to a grateful Sandra three doors down and now her newborn son is starting to wear them.

And it's not only clothes that children rapidly grow out of. Toys, bikes, high-chairs, cots and prams are all suddenly too small and we're left staring at those photos of our children sleeping in the bassinet and wondering how he or she was ever so small.

Many child-related items can be shared and there's probably a family just down the road with a child younger than yours who you can start sharing with.

Not to mention babysitting.

Of course having children means the nightlife gets curtailed somewhat – but that just means you appreciate going out so much more when it happens! So why not use the Sharehood to set up a babysitting circle in your local area? Have an afternoon tea and get to know the parents and then start calling up. And if you want to keep track of how often you are babysitting and being baby-sat for, then why not use our local currency, samaras, to "pay" for the service? It's a simple way to make sure the give and take evens out for everyone.

Parenting can be a lonely time when partners are absent or friends are working or "don't understand" your role. Maybe you are a single parent and don't know many other single parents, or have only one child and want them to have playtime with other kids. Starting a local playgroup with other parents in your neighbourhood is a great way to take a break from baby talk (for adults) and have fun (for kids). Children benefit from playtime with other children and parents can get together and share parenting stress, advice and reassurance with other parents. Your playgroup can take place at local community centre or on a rotational basis at people's homes in your neighbourhood.

There are other community resources for sharing child related things. In many towns and cities you'll find a toy library and look out for child and baby pre-loved clothes shops and markets.