Six Creative Childcare and Babysitting Options

It is important to every relationship to have some time alone. When you are dating you go out together, talk on the phone, and even exchange texts, chats or emails throughout the day. But after children come along many parents find it difficult to find quality time with their partner, spouse or significant other. There are many concerns about leaving your children with another caregiver such as safety, security and experience and of course money.

Most people think of a "babysitter" as a neighborhood teenager who is looking to make some extra money. That is one way of getting a babysitter, but as we found out one night we actually spent more in baby sitter fees at $10.00/hour for two children than we actually spent on out date night. But there may be some creative childcare options that you haven't thought of.

Share a shift and child swap

Child swapping is an inexpensive alternative to hiring a babysitter for a night. There are several different ways of participating in a child swap. You can "share a shift" with one couple going out while the other watches the children. Then when they return, the second "shift" goes off on their date. In my case, one of my friends has grandparents to depend on for date nights and they even keep the children overnight. What she doesn't have is someone who can watch her child after school while she shops or goes to a late doctor or dentist appointment. She will watch my children during an evening so we can go out, and I will take after school and work shifts.

Go for the Grandma

Sure, some of us can turn to grandparents for babysitting and childcare alternatives, but for some the grandparents are hundreds of miles away. Considering finding a grandmother in the neighborhood who is a former teacher or simply loves children. She gets an opportunity to feel helpful and useful as well as make a little extra money that could really help out on a fixed income. This type of babysitting arrangement also gives your children time spent with seniors filling the void that the loss of a far away or deceased grandparent may bring. The disadvantage is that some seniors may not feel up to long periods of very active children.

Give the gift of babysitting

Give it away! You mean do it for free? Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Everyone laughed at me when I started using reusable bags to wrap gifts in. But when they saw how useful and eco-friendly my "wrapping paper" was the idea really caught on. Giving the gift of babysitting can actually have the same effect. Your friend can say when she brags about her wonderful date night, "Nancy watched the kids for me, it was a birthday gift. I hope she gives it to me again." Your circle of friends may find that this is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Take it out in trade

Instead of money, offer a friend, family or teenager a trade in exchange for their babysitting services. Maybe they need to study for a college entrance exam or need some tutoring in a subject. Maybe they need help learning to or practicing their driving skills. Maybe they need rides to extracurricular activities that you could provide. Maybe there is a household chore like cleaning out the garage or hanging a ceiling fan. Find out what your talents are and help another family out by taking babysitting out in trade. The advantages are that you don't spend any money on your childcare arrangements, but the disadvantages are that it may not always be a "fair" trade.

Cooperate in a babysitting co op

Babysitting co-ops are the latest and greatest craze in child care arrangements. A group of parents form an arrangement to exchange child care services within the group. You can use everything from tokens to funny money which is exchanged in order to provide babysitting times for your child. There are many advantages to using a co-op arrangement including no or low cost, several people are sharing the childcare time instead of depending on just one or two tried and true sitters, and your child or children get to play with others. The main disadvantage may be that too many members get involved, are not carefully vetted or that there may be problems with some members that are hard to resolve.

Convene for unconventional childcare

There a few different ways to use unconventional childcare. You can place a date night on the calendar, but for after the kids go to bed. Light the fireplace, snuggle, watch a movie, or play a game. You may even want to set the mood with a spa night or massage at home.

Another unconventional idea is to take the kids with you. This works best if the children are older. Get two tables and take cell phones, DSi's, or portable DVD players, even lots of quarters if there is an arcade too. Let the kids play some games there while you and your spouse get to enjoy at least a few minutes together out in public.

Yet another idea is to group your babysitting needs. Invite a bunch of moms over to help you accomplish a task like putting away the Christmas decorations. One mom watches the children upstairs while everyone works together to get the job done. Rotate with projects and places to help everyone get a turn.

Whatever your choice in childcare make sure to: carefully screen your provider, get and give emergency contact information, list any special needs or allergies, your rules and make sure that they are CPR trained. While it is great to save money, nothing is worth the risk of inadequate childcare for your children.

Sources:
Personal experience
Sprout
BabyZone
KSBY