We are in a blended age group of a Life Group that just recently started.  However, my husband and I are the only couple in this group that needs childcare for our two children of 6 and 4.  We have been getting our own babysitting, which is not always easy.  The other group members do invite our children to come along, but they all have teenagers or grown children.  And nothing to occupy our children’s attention.  This has been a bit of a issue for us to want to continue in the group or not.

When I saw the question I thought a situation we had might work in your situation but after reading your comments . . . in our first group we had children 7 or 8 and younger in addition to two 13 year olds. The two older girls watched the 4 younger children. We never had any problem with this situation. I don’t know if because my daughter likes working with children and now does it as her profession that she enjoyed and did not mind watching the children. Both babysat other times as well.
If the older children in the group have no interest in your children, it may be a make or probably break in this group. Maybe a group where there might be younger teens who would be willing to watch the younger children in a group.

We have 3 children of our own 12, 3&1/2 and almost 2. The other couple in our group has a 1 yr old. We pay the 12 yr old (who is very responsible) to watch the other 3 in our basement where all the toys are, or if the weather permits they go outside to our fenced yard. It works well for us, however my children are very well behaved and they adore their big brother!

We have an intergenerational group which means the children are included in the Bible study and discussion.  It is amazing.  We learn just as much from the children as they do from our insight.  It is a great way also for children to learn how to socialize with different ages and recognize life is about enjoying one another and learning from one another no matter what age!!!

All of the adults are late 30’s or early 40’s.  There are four children—4, 6, 8, 10, 15, and 17. The 15 and 17 do their own thing, but usually aren’t around for LG.  We usally set up tons of legos and a movie for the younger kids (all boys).  They play next to us or around us or whereever while we meet.  There are occasional interuptions, but they have become less over time…and it seems to be working for now.