Four Ways to Save Money on a Date Night Sitter

Date nights are the heartbeat of a happy relationship. They provide the ability for two people to reconnect and spend time together one-on-one without distractions. When you have kids, time alone and the freedom to communicate and get to know each other on a deeper level is almost nonexistent unless you plan for it. For those of us who are on a budget, date nights can get expensive, especially when you have to pay a sitter in addition to the cost of a date. So here are four ways you can save money on a date night sitter.

1.) Ask Family.

grandmother on tricycle
If you live close to your family or your significant other’s family, ask them if they would be willing to watch your little ones for a date night once or twice a month. Many grandparents will leap at the chance to spend time with their precious grandbabies, and often expect nothing in return.

2.) Check out local gyms for Kids Night Out Programs.

ymca kids
I have noticed two local gyms (The YMCA and Romp-n-Roll) offering kids night out for a fair price, often cheaper than the price you would pay a sitter to come to your house. In addition to babysitting, this service usually includes dinner, crafts, and a fun play date for your kids.

3.) Look for Teenagers trying to gain experience.

teenage babysitter
Many schools offer first aid and CPR classes in home economics and teach a babysitting 101 lesson to teens. Once they have learned these skills, they are able to begin babysitting and earning money for their services. I have found a handful willing to babysit for five dollars per hour, which is half of what seasoned date night sitters charge.

4.) Trade date nights with another family like yours.

friends
Coordinate with a family you know and offer to watch their kids in return for them watching yours so you each get free date night childcare. It is also a chance for your kids to have a play date. It’s a win-win-win situation.

Marriage and Babies

A study from The Marriage Project claims that couples who “engage in novel activities that are fun, active, or otherwise arousing—from hiking to dancing to travel to card games—enjoy higher levels of relationship quality.” But, marriage and babies can be expensive. No one knows that better than Penny and Ben, a newlywed couple looking for creative ways to make money and afford the new addition to their family. Check out our new web series, All About The Benjamins, so you can follow their story and learn some tips, too.

Courtney is Clearpoint's Social Media Specialist, a mom of two boys, married to her high school sweetheart, introverted by nature and a lover of music, movies, coffee and all things Asian. People and their behavior is her specialty; helping others is her passion.

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