AIBU to ask how a baby sitting circle works?

[Helpme9]

Just that really. I feel a bit thick. Also is it always the mum that reciprocates the baby sitting i.e 3 nights of using a babysitter in the circle then one of you goes and babysits 3 times for whoever babysat for you?

My parents were in a token based one when we were little. I thought about trying to set one up with my ante-natal class but it wouldn't have worked as several had husbands that work in the city and weren't back early enough on weeknights and wanted to spend Saturday evenings together. It does usually seem to be the mums that babysit, but I find it a nice break to go to someone else's house and watch telly / read a book all evening, at home I tend to potter instead of relaxing properly.

My parents were in one when I was young and oh the scandal some parents were caught making their own extra tokens, and some parents (not mine I hasten to add....) were also having swinging parties with the core members also being the core of the babysitting group

Madcap that's just crazy

I remember my mum's baby sitting circle in the 1970s/early 80s. Seemed to work well although distinctly remember one babysitter nosing around the house. Including going through my mum's bedside drawer (I pretended to be asleep). Told my parents the next day

It is a worry. That others would snoop. The lady organising the one at our school is a gossip. She admits it...maybe she's trying to get into my house?!