Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it seems like I have a party or event to attend almost every other night. (It doesn't help that so many of my friends are Sagittarians and I have to celebrate birthdays left and right.) To save what would be a small fortune in babysitting, I've been talking to other parents about babysitting swaps.
Here's how it works: You find other parents -- preferably friends and family who you know and trust, and whose kids your child likes to play with -- who are in the same bind (they need to attend a party or have to finish their holiday shopping, or even need an hour or so to get their hair done for an upcoming holiday gathering). Then, you babysit their kids while they do what they need to do and vice versa.
It's win-win for everyone. Your child and his friends get to play together while you and the other parents save money on babysitting. (Amazingly, that same little boy who clings to me when he sees me getting dressed to go out barely has time to give me a hug and a kiss goodnight when he's playing with a friend.) The only glitch may be if all the couples in your circle decide they want to attend a Christmas Eve party, for instance. In that case, you may want to consider relatives who you know will be staying home, such as a couple with a new baby or grandma and grandpa.
So set up some babysitting swaps and enjoy those holiday celebrations!
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Grandma and grandpa will usually be happy to babysit, but they also have holiday parties to attend, so be sure to ask early!
When I was a young mother and earning my degree, I traded babysitting with a friend who was also going to college. I typically took day classes, and she typically went at night, so it worked out beautifully. Our kids are in their thirties, and they still keep in touch.
Sure, it’s a win win situation. Grandparents are wonderful. Friends too are fantastic. Sometimes though it’s easier to pay a babysitter known to your children so that you do not have any obligation to babysit back or return favours – it can make things simpler somtimes. But swapping – that’s always my first choice!