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Poll

Inexpensive Childcare Ideas

Here are some of the many options that your family might find helpful.


Providing a good childcare environment for kids can be stressful for working parents.  With rising childcare costs, it's important to think outside the box.


Relatives
: Grandparents, aunts or other close family members can be a great solution if they live in the area.  It's a way to reduce costs and strengthen family ties.


Opposite Shifts
:  If you don't have family near by, working opposite shifts can provide a way of having both parents provide a major role in child care duties.  One drawback is that it also reduces time between spouses.


In-home daycare
: In-home providers are often less expensive than daycare centers.  It can also be a closer simulation to being at home with Mom and Dad.


Before/After-school programs
:  This can be a good solution for school aged kids.  Many of the programs offer intramural sports, crafts and homework help.  Some of them are also income based so it can be a convenient and affordable option.


Daycare provider sharing
:  Sometimes childcare providers give discounts for full time status.  Sharing part-time hours with another working mom could also save potential daycare dollars.


Barter
: In today's economy, daycare terms are more negotiable than ever.  Maybe services can be traded between families to reduce costs. For example, a hairstylist may offer complementary hair cuts fo rth efamily in exchange for reduced child care rates.


Au Pairs
: If you have multiple kids, a nanny or au pair may be the most economical option.  Part of an au pair's salary is off set by room and board.

Source: family.tips.net/