In the 80s, I fell in love with a movie called Adventures in Babysitting. I was convinced babysitting was perfect for me. I could rescue the kids, be a hero and a cute boy would kiss me at the end of the evening, just like in the movie. I was 14 so, of course, none of those things happened.
For my first babysitting job, I watched three toddlers for five very long hours. At the end of the night, I received a whopping $5 for my services. That was also my last adventure in babysitting.
These days, kids are raking in at least $5 an hour for babysitting. I received a flyer the other day from a 12 year old charging $10 an hour with her rate going to $15 if you have more than one child.
What are parents supposed to do when they need someone to watch their children?
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A babysitting cooperative lets you keep your money in your wallet. Instead of paying a sitter, you swap babysitting time with a group of parents.
Another parent watches your children. They get to play with other kids while you're gone. You pay nothing.
The parent babysitting the children earns time she can cash in when she needs to go somewhere. You're not obligated to watch her kids either. The group works together to exchange babysitting services without money ever having to change hands.
Find current co-ops through your children's pediatrician, school or moms you meet on the playground. You can also start your own babysitting cooperative with parents through Mom's Day Out programs, your neighborhood or church. Establish ground rules every member must follow so babysitting time is distributed equally among the parents.
Not only do you save money, you also form relationships with other parents. Many babysitting co-ops have picnics and other outings for all of the families to enjoy together.
Thrifty Thursday Tips from the About.com Parenting Channel:
- More Thrifty Thursday Ideas for SAHMs
- When Cheaper is Not Better
- Kids Eat Free at IHOP
- Free White House Birth Greetings
- Free Personal Training for Single Parents
- How to Organize a Toy Swap
- Free or Nearly Free Prescriptions
- Save Time and Money by Doubling a Meal
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