Leuven families organize shared holiday childcare through Cokido: "Feels more comfortable"

An increasing number of families in Leuven are turning to Cokido, an initiative that facilitates shared holiday childcare organized by parents themselves through a rotational system. Currently, Leuven hosts 9 active Cokido groups, with 307 families participating in the program.

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Now there are groups with 20 to 25 children, although we care for them with multiple parents together.

Annabel Vandezande, a parent from Kessel-Lo, explained that the initiative began six years ago with about eight parents and a small group of children. "Now there are groups with 20 to 25 children, although we care for them with multiple parents together," she said. Cokido takes place in nearby primary schools, providing a recognizable environment for the children.

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The environment is familiar and geared towards children. But you cannot compare it to a school day: there are looser rules and the atmosphere is completely different. The children can clearly feel that it is a holiday.

"The environment is familiar and geared towards children. But you cannot compare it to a school day: there are looser rules and the atmosphere is completely different. The children can clearly feel that it is a holiday," Vandezande noted. The program aims to ensure the holiday spirit prevails, even though it is held in school settings.

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It provides more peace of mind to send toddlers to other parents. That feels more comfortable than enrolling them in traditional camps with often very young animators.

Parents are drawn to Cokido for several reasons. "It provides more peace of mind to send toddlers to other parents. That feels more comfortable than enrolling them in traditional camps with often very young animators," Vandezande stated. The financial aspect also plays a significant role. "For 50 euros per year, you pay membership for a whole year," she concluded.

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For 50 euros per year, you pay membership for a whole year.