Working families are cutting back on their day care costs – which can often rival a monthly mortgage payment – in an effort to save money during the economic recession, reports The Wall Street Journal (”Families Cut Back On Day Care As Costs – And Worries – Rise,” Dec. 19, 2008).

An online survey conducted in October by BettyConfidential.com, a website geared toward women, found that 12 percent of more than 100 parents polled were cutting back on child care.

To fill in the gap, some parents are asking employers for earlier or later shifts that would allow for one parent to always watch the children while the other one works. Others are asking for permission to either work from home or even to bring the kids to the office.

Others yet are tapping  their parents for help – some 40 percent of grandparents who live near their grandchildren are regularly providing child care, according to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

3 Ways to Trim Child Care Costs With Little Disruption

While child care experts say children typically aren’t harmed by attending day care less frequently, if you must cut back on some day care time they say there are three things you should try to avoid:

1. Taking preschoolers out of group care entirely. Preschool can help facilitate child development when children are between the ages of two and three.
2. Placing your children in the care of someone who may not meet their needs. The bond between a caregiver and a child should matter the most when choosing a day care provider.
3. Showing your stress. The transition to a new child care provider can be a constructive experience as long you stay positive and make a point to only discuss your financial worries behind closed doors.

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