[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf-WOuRRVUM]We love our kids like crazy. But they don’t come cheap! The government predicts the cost of raising a child today will approach $250,000 by the time they turn 18. Part of this cost is childcare, more specifically babysitting costs.
What’s a parent to do? For one, it’s important to get creative, and for that there are many apps to help. But there are some good, old-fashioned ideas as well that can help defray the cost of someone taking care of your kids while you are out.
- Babysitting Co-op. Try setting up a system with other parents where you earn credits for babysitting others’ kids and redeem those when you need the favor returned.
- Using the Benefits of a Health Club Membership. Take advantage of this awesome perk offered at many gyms and health clubs across the country. Whether you use the time to actually workout or catch up on work is up to you, but either way, this is a great way to get the benefit of child care for free after the cost of your membership.
- City Parks & Rec Program. Most cities offer programs for kids that are cheaper than the cost of a babysitter. This takes the kids off your hands for awhile and also has the added benefit of built-in social opportunities for the kids as well.
- Nanny Sharing. If you know of anyone who has hired a nanny for their kids, consider asking them if you can pay a discounted rate to share that nanny for awhile. Splitting costs is a huge part of reducing babysitting costs.
Bottom line, you have to often be creative to save, but if you are smart, savvy, and think outside the box, the savings can be found.