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All parents will require a baby-sitter at one time or another. There are methods to eliminate the cost of baby-sitting. Baby-sitting charges can cost a family lot of money unless you follow these ideas.
The trick is to find other parents who are also interested in free baby-sitting.
Co-op babysitting
Co-op baby-sitting is arranged when more than one parent wishes to have access to a baby-sitter, but is also willing to baby-sit for others. This is an ideal arrangement for a stay-at-home parent who also desires/needs some time to pursue other areas of interest.
There must be rules for everyone to understand, follow and respect.
Some rules include:
* the hours of operation/availability (i.e. from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.)
* the minimum and maximum hours the service can be used at one time (i.e. a minimum of one hour and a maximum of 4 hours)
* the amount of children who can be cared for by one individual at one time
* extras that must be provider by parent using the service (i.e. snacks, meals, diapers, toys, etc.)
* the time frame between using the service and serving the club
* accumulating hours or specific return use (i.e. you can baby-sit for a weekly total of 6 hours for one mother, but use your 6 hours at one time OR do you have to use the service in the exact same increments you offered them.
* group availability or one-on-one services (exchanging within a whole group, as long as everyone spends and uses the same amount of time OR exchanging only with those who use your servicing)
Each of the member's needs must be clear of their expectations so there are no unexpected surprises.
Let the group know when you expect to need the co-op services as well as when you are available to contribute your own time.
Service exchange
Some parents may need the use of a baby-sitter and/or other services, but would rather exchange for these services rather than paying a monetary fee for them.
Advertise your skills with neighbors who can possibly benefit from your expertise and knowledge. A specific amount of baby-sitting time will equal the services of another type. I.e. the driveway snowplowed in the winter, the chimney cleaned, the appliance checked/repaired/, the income tax prepared, the ironing done, etc. The opportunities are endless.
The important aspect is to ensure that each recipient is getting equal value for his/her services. For example, one day a week of baby-sitting could equal one day a week of accounting services or at-home secretarial services. One two-hour respite for one mother could be exchanged for that woman's husband cleaning your chimney.
Ask for a gift of time
Your birthday is coming up. Why not ask your best friend to take care of your kids for an evening, instead of buying you something. Let your friends and families know that the gift of time is more appreciated and required, than a gift.
If you have trouble suggesting this idea, why not offer it to someone who would appreciate the gift of time. This individual will undoubtedly return the favor.
These are some of the ways you can save money on babysitting services. Use them wisely and all participants will be happy.
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