As a counselor to young couples and families, I’ve seen firsthand how the escalating costs of childcare create significant financial strain. Yet, I encourage families not to let these costs deter them from the joy and blessing of having children.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” As Christians, we are called to nurture our children in faith and wisdom, and there are practical ways to manage childcare expenses without sacrificing this calling.

Childcare costs have surged, often rivaling college expenses. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article by Alana Pipe, daycare can range from $24,000 to $147,000 annually, depending on location (link). Unlike college, which families can save for over 18 years, childcare expenses hit immediately, creating a pressing financial burden. However, by combining creative strategies, parents can reduce or eliminate these costs while maintaining quality care for their children.

Options for Reducing Childcare Costs

1. Leverage your network.

Explore your personal network to find affordable childcare options. Friends, family, or community members may recommend trusted providers, such as in-home daycares or live-in nannies, which can be more cost-effective and offer a better quality of life than traditional daycare centers. Always conduct due diligence by checking references and verifying the quality of care.

2. Seek employers with childcare benefits.

When job hunting, prioritize employers offering childcare as a benefit. Some companies provide on-site daycare or subsidies, making care more affordable and convenient. High-quality employers often include such perks to attract talent, so inquire about these options during interviews or negotiations.

3. Utilize community programs and camps.

Many communities offer affordable programs or summer camps that can serve as childcare alternatives. Research local options, such as recreational programs or nonprofit initiatives, which may be cheaper than standard daycare. While this requires effort to find the right fit, these programs can align well with your family’s needs.

Options for Eliminating Childcare Costs

4. Pursue flexible work arrangements.

Ask your employer about working from home part-time, even one or two days a week. Many businesses now embrace flexible arrangements, which can significantly cut childcare costs. If seeking new employment, target companies with remote or hybrid work policies to balance parenting and professional responsibilities.

5. Stagger work schedules.

If remote work isn’t feasible, consider coordinating work hours with your spouse to minimize childcare needs. By staggering schedules, one parent can be home while the other works, reducing daycare hours and expenses. This approach requires planning but can yield substantial savings.

6. Enlist family support.

Grandparents or extended family members often cherish time with their grandchildren. If relatives are available to help, even for one day a week, it can ease both financial and emotional burdens. This not only saves money but also strengthens family bonds.

7. Start a childcare business.

For entrepreneurial parents, opening a small childcare business can be a solution. One couple I know turned their struggle with childcare costs into an opportunity by launching a home-based daycare. This model allows you to care for your children while serving other families, covering expenses while providing quality care. Running a business demands effort, but it can be a rewarding way to address childcare challenges.

8. Plan for one parent to stay home.

Having one spouse stay home may require significant lifestyle changes, such as downsizing your home or selling a vehicle, but it eliminates childcare costs entirely. This option demands careful financial planning but aligns with the biblical call to prioritize raising children. Evaluate your budget to determine if this is feasible, and consider it a long-term investment in your family’s spiritual and emotional well-being.

The rising cost of childcare is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to overshadow the joy of parenthood. By combining these strategies—leveraging networks, seeking employer benefits, exploring community programs, adjusting work arrangements, or even starting a childcare business—families can find tailored solutions to reduce or eliminate costs. For Christian parents, these challenges can be an opportunity to trust God’s guidance, aligning financial decisions with the calling to nurture children in faith. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, raising children in the way they should go is a sacred responsibility, and with creativity and effort, parents can fulfill this calling while managing the economic pressures.

About the author: Nate Sargent holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Colorado State University. He also earned a Certificate in Financial Planning from the Ron Blue Institute at Indiana Wesleyan University and is a Certified Christian Financial Counselor through the Institute for Christian Financial Health. With 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Nate brings a passion for solving complex challenges—both technical and financial. He writes and speaks on the intersection of faith and finances, encouraging others to view money not as an end, but as a tool for greater purpose and impact. Learn more about Nate at Christian Money Help.