Are You Looking For Low-Cost Childcare In The Right Places?

Childcare is an expense you cannot avoid if you have kids. For this reason, you have to make sure you do everything in your power to make it as affordable as possible. If not, you’ll have trouble paying your bills.

The cost of childcare can be so high that it causes some parents to quit their jobs. Why? Because the cost of their children’s care exceeds their income, which makes it impossible to make ends meet.

Well, before you quit your job or get frustrated over the lack of free or low-cost childcare, have a look at these avenues first. One may be what you need to not only put your child in good hands, but also to cut your costs.

Ask Your Friends and Family First

Before you roll your eyes and sigh at this suggestion, know that some people never ask their friends and family for babysitting help. As ridiculous as it may sound, they fail to ask because they feel like a burden, and this sense of shame keeps them silent.

If you haven’t asked for help in this department from your loved ones, you’re missing out on the most likely route towards free or low-cost childcare.

Complete strangers won’t take care of your child for free, and neither will most schools. Your friends and family might, though, and they’ll do it out of love and enjoyment for your child. Plus, you get the huge added benefit of being able to leave your kids with someone you know and trust.

Don’t be afraid to ask those closest to you for childcare favors. Who knows? They may even feel blessed that you requested. After all, you are leaving your most precious possessions with them, and that’s quite an honor.

Share Costs with Others

If your friends and family are in the same boat as you, you could ask to share childcare costs with them.

For instance, if you and a relative both need a babysitter so you can go shopping, you can hire one and split the bill.

Return the Favor

You can babysit other people’s children when they need it. Then when you need it, you can ask them to return the favor.

Barter Your Services

You’ll have to get creative here, but you can offer services to people you know in exchange for childcare.

For instance, if you have a neighbor who needs help with finishing a task, agree to do so. Then ask them to take care of your child so that they can return the favor.

Do Drop-Offs

Leaving your child in daycare on a set schedule can be super expensive. If you don’t need an entire day of babysitting, use a drop-off childcare center instead.

In this situation, you pay for the hours you need. By doing so, you can reduce your childcare expenses in a significant way.

See What Your Community Has to Offer

What do preschools, daycares, churches, and other community organizations have in common? They usually offer some sort of childcare for their members on special occasions.

While this won’t take care of your everyday needs, knowing you can count on others to help can take some of the load off. Even if it’s just one Friday night a month, those are several hours where you won’t be paying for childcare, or you’ll get it at a deep discount.

To find out when such childcare events will be held in your city, look at your local newspaper, school and church bulletin boards, and even social media groups to get the scoop.