While I would personally NEVER put a price on the well-being of my child I’ve managed to keep my babysitting costs reasonably low and couldn’t have asked for better babysitters.
If you feel like babysitting costs are eating your budget alive here a few alternatives you may want to consider.
Opt for Private Babysitting Rather than Daycare
When I first was pregnant (about seven years ago) I knew I was going to have to go back to work after having my daughter and started researching babysitting far in advance.
I called all the daycare centers in my town (which I wasn’t too keen on anyway) and they all wanted more money than what I made in a week! Yes, it was actually going to COST me money to work. I knew that daycare wasn’t going to cut it.
After those dreaded calls I started getting babysitter referrals from my friends and family members. I narrowed it down to three babysitters, all varying in price before I went out to meet the one I connected mostly strongly with over the phone.
The babysitter I ended up choosing was the one I had the best feelings about. The cost was $20 per day for one kids and $30 per day for two kids. So when I had just one child I paid $100 a week for the best babysitting anyone could ever ask for.
This same babysitter has watched both of my girls from the time they were six years old until just this February! Now her daughter, who I equally love, has taken over and still charges the same inexpensive rate for excellent care.
If you’ve been wondering where to start looking for private babysitting, you might want to consider visiting sosgarde, who offer caregiving services in a number of locations.
Trade Babysitting Days with a Friend
While I don’t have many friends with kids in the same age group as mine I do have two neighbors!
My neighbors and I often take turns hosting the kids afterschool. Each of us has a kid friendly basement and after school and on the weekends all of the girls will decide which house they want to go to.
If you have friends with kids think about taking turns watching each other’s kids when it makes sense. On top of getting some free babysitting it’s just really nice to have someone who is able to watch your kids on a last minute notice.
Consider if It Even Makes Sense to Work (Get Assistance if Possible)
I know this might not be what you want to hear but I’m well aware of the fact that sometimes finding cheaper (but still high quality) childcare isn’t an option. I feel incredibly blessed to have the babysitter and neighbors that I have but not everyone is in the same position.
Sometimes babysitting turns out to cost more money than what you actually make. If this is the position you’re in and you’re considered “low income” (which is probably a lot higher of an income than you think) you can get government assistance to help pay for childcare costs.
At the end of the day you have to do what makes the most sense for your family, your kids, and your situation.
Do you have any tips to save money on babysitting?