It is getting so expensive to have a night out, especially if you have kids. I am always looking for ways to save on babysitting costs so that I can enjoy more time with just my fiance and myself. When we do have an opportunity to go out, I don’t want to have to spend a fortune just to do so.
Babysitters can make anywhere from $8-$15 per hour on average. It does depend on where you live and if you hire a teenager versus a college student or an adult. Always remember that you get what you pay for and to do plenty of research before you hire someone.
Trade Babysitting
If you have any friends or neighbors with kids, you might want to consider trading babysitting services for each other. If you have 3-4 families that want to participate, you could have a sleepover night once a month. Each family takes turns hosting all the kids so that the other parents can enjoy a night to themselves. You only have to do it once every 3-4 months and you get a night out for the other 3 months. That is a pretty good deal!
Share the Costs
If you have a friend or neighbor with kids close by, you could consider hiring a babysitter for all of the kids and splitting the cost. This only works if the sitter doesn’t charge per kid but just a flat rate. I personally wouldn’t do more than 4 kids at a time, as long as they are older this should work fine.
YMCA or Gym
If you have a YMCA or gym membership that offers childcare for a few hours, make use of it. Check with the establishment to make sure it is OK first though. A lot of gyms are close to shopping centers so if you need to run some errands for an hour, drop of the kids at the gym childcare. You will be surprised at how much you can get done.
Classes and Churches
Check with local churches or any classes your child may be enrolled in. Some offer childcare once a month during the evening for a flat fee so that parents can have an evening out. I know that some dance and gymnastic classes offer this. Fees are usually $20 for 3 hours which is a lot cheaper than hiring a baby sitter. Your kids get to socialize with others, too.
Relatives
If you are lucky enough to live close to your family, they will usually offer to watch the kids for free. My mom lives over an hour away so when she comes to visit, I take that opportunity to get things done or go out. We love when Grandma comes to visit. We know she is being well cared for and we don’t have to pay! Ask grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. They will love spending time with them.
Mother’s Helpers
If you are a stay at home mom or you work from home, try getting a “mother’s helper” once or twice a week. You can get a preteen to come spend time with your kids and keep them entertained while you are still in the house getting things done. This is a great way to get a little break and they usually don’t charge much since they aren’t old enough to stay by themselves.
What are some ways you save on babysitting costs?
You may also like:
Leave a Reply