If you’ve decided to live frugally, you’re well aware of all the sacrifices that type of lifestyle requires. However, no matter the cost, investing in your children’s well-being isn’t one of them. Quality child care can be hard to find, especially when trying to stick to a certain monthly budget. Nevertheless, there is always a way to make everything work out for the best. It’s not easy and it will sometimes require a high level of creativity, but it will help the parents continue with their frugal lifestyle and still provide their children with the best care possible.
So, here are some options, their pros and cons, and how to handle them properly.
Option #1: The stay-at-home option
This is one of the first options you should explore when it comes to child care. The first question should be if either parent is inclined to stay at home with the children? There are definitely some downsides to this option, the first being the fact that sacrificing your career can end up being really difficult since the reality is that you’ll still be “paying” for child care by not receiving your monthly salary. Others include losing your independence, feeling bored and the constant sense of alienation. However, there are a few pro facts to consider, like preparing all the meals at home for example. This is a huge benefit in favor of your frugal lifestyle. Also, use the opportunity to educate your children about benefits of frugal living, but do it in a fun way. There are plenty of games and crafts that will make learning interesting and help you make the home environment more creative and stimulative. In the end, the most important thing is to make the decision together while considering all the facts involved in staying at home and raising a child as a one-income family.
Option #2: Child care services
When evaluating child care options, one thing is pretty clear ‒ the safety of your children is your number one concern. So, the first thing you should do is thoroughly research all your options. Start by asking your friends and family for their child care options, as well as their pros and cons. When asked, the most experienced parents usually state that they put their trust in childcare centers that they are extremely satisfied with the safe environment and individual treatment each child receives. It’s not written in stone, but if the price is low, there is probably something wrong, so listen to your gut and skip the cheapest option available. Again, you want to be 100% sure that your child is well taken care of. Use social media, it will help you narrow things down quickly to a few choices. On the other hand, relying on other people’s experiences isn’t bulletproof. Sometimes, you might end up disappointed with someone’s recommendation mostly because of your different parenting styles or standards you have set for the facilities in question. As popular as they are today, social media can be somewhat deceiving especially when you take into consideration that many users pay for advertisements and allow only good reviews on their pages.
In the end, the best you can do is make up your own rating system according to the date you’ve gathered and rate the facilities by your own standards. That way, you’ll be able to differentiate between a good and a really great option and eliminate the ones with serious issues right from the start.
Option #3: Flexible work option
When it comes to your career, another thing you should consider is switching to a more flexible position. The downside of this option is that you probably won’t be able to keep a position you are currently on, which means you won’t be earning the same amount of money so you’ll have to make some cutbacks. But you shouldn’t look at it as a step backward. Flexible working hours or a home-based job will enable you to raise your children at home and avoid paying for a daycare center. With a few minor adjustments, like creating your own home office, you’ll get the best of both worlds ‒ your child will be safe with you by your side and you’ll still be able to have a regular income your family depends on.
Option #4: Your family as a possible solution
After you’ve considered staying at home, you should really think about your family members as the most reliable caregivers you know. Even though it may seem like the most logical solution to your child care problems, turning to your family for help may come with a few disadvantages, like putting a strain on your relationship if something goes wrong. Being a part of the same family doesn’t necessarily mean you have the same take on raising a child. Awkward situations might occur and sometimes child-related misunderstandings with your family members might be difficult to resolve. However, you won’t find anyone more trustworthy than the ones closest to you or anyone you would rather entrust the safety of your child to. So, if you decide on this option, you’ll definitely save a small fortune and, most importantly, remain calm knowing that your child is in the safest hands you know.
Nothing is more important than the well-being of your children, so regardless of the frugal lifestyle, do what is best for your family. It’s the only thing you can’t put a price tag on.
Related posts
Teaching your kids to be frugal about money
This is a guest post by Claire who resides in Australia
Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about lifestyle and development as a regular contributor to highstylelife.com.
Related Products
I just do have kids yet, But I feel like the stay at home options seem to be the most effective if your family can really handle it. For a couple of my children they had told me childcare is so expensive. I would want half the stay at home and childcare. Just because I would want my kids to have social kids. But I do agree on making sure you child is well taken care of there is some crazy people of there.
I will definitely be passing this article along to friends of mine that have recently become parents. This is such a great read. Great tips and well written!
XX,
Sivan | http://www.TheOliveBrunette.com
Great post! As a mom to 5 and business owner to two brick and mortar businesses plus a blog I have used all of the methods above. For us, my mom has been a huge help. She does all the school pick ups and some practices after school plus a date night each week. That has been the biggest help.
Such a blessing, your mom is. Thank goodness for her.
This is a necessary post for so many reasons! Childcare is so so expensive 🙁 We rely partially on family and partially on a home daycare so thankfully we’re covered and my LO gets a variety of stimulation but it’s a challenge definitely!
I just think we must be intentional with what we do so that we raise a great generation who will eventually decide where to put us when we are older!
Child care services are always available for mom’s in need of help in taking care of their child. But before that they must be checked thoroughly for safety.
I so agree with you. Safety must be number one on the list of priorities when it comes to our precious jewels.
Good blog, I completely agree child care is the first thing in a parents life. But dear not everyone can work and earn a good amount of money. Anyways those who can do must try.
I love staying home with my son! I strongly feel that I am the best person to care for him, teach him, and follow his lead as he learns, grows, and explores the world around him. By staying home I can provide more opportunities for him on a daily basis to try new things, meet new people, and strengthen the bond between us! Highly recommend if it is something your family is financially and mentally ready for (it is a lot of work and your partner needs to be fully on board to make sure you get the mental/emotional breaks you need on a daily or weekly basis).
Hey Jo, great post you have here! Although I don’t have children (yet), it’s always on my mind. I’d want my child to be safe, whilst also fitting in with my lifestyle. Thanks for sharing this – I’ll be saving for when the time comes ?
Great post. Truly child care should come first as you plan frugally for the family and christmas period. Thanks for sharing
Child care services are always available for mom’s in need of help in taking care of their child. But before that they must be checked thoroughly for safety.
I so agree with you on this one.
Finding a proper child care school for your kids is important and helpful to make sure they are in proper learning and will develop the skills necessary in life.
Our elders have all lived through times of incredible change, including wars and new technologies unimaginable 75 years ago.
This content is very helpful for me, Thanks for sharing
This blog is really good. I completely agree with you that child care is the first priority for every parent.
Great Blog! Thanks for sharing these tips. I find these tips really helpful as it is so natural for parents to panic about everything but sometime we will have to give them the opportunity to grow. I recently admitted my child in Summer camp named Master Mind Daycare Center. Master Mind Day Care’s summer camp services are fantastic.
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! I believe that daycares provide essential early childhood development opportunities, fostering social and cognitive skills. While searching for a daycare for my child, I discovered Ivy League Learning Center & Nursery. Their excellent childcare facilities offer a nurturing environment, giving children a valuable head start on their life’s journey. The center’s commitment to quality education and care stood out, making it an ideal choice for parents seeking comprehensive early learning experiences for their little ones.
The frugal parent’s guide to adequate childcare emphasizes resourcefulness and cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of care for their children. By exploring affordable options such as community-based programs, co-operative childcare arrangements, and government assistance, frugal parents can navigate the often-expensive landscape of childcare services. This approach empowers parents to make informed choices that align with their financial goals while ensuring that their children receive the necessary support and developmental opportunities.