40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 14 • Plan Holiday Babysitting • Everyday Cheapskate

It’s Day 14, and here’s a question: Who’s watching the kids while you dive into holiday festivities or tackle that gift-wrapping marathon?

Day 14: Plan Holiday Babysitting

Babysitters can disappear faster than the last cookie on the plate, so today’s challenge is all about getting ahead of the game. Secure childcare or set up a babysitting swap before your calendar fills up. A little planning now saves a lot of scrambling later.

Action Step

Pull out your calendar and mark the dates you’ll need childcare: holiday parties, shopping trips, or quiet wrapping sessions.
Contact your babysitter or trusted caregiver to lock in those dates early.
No sitter? Team up with friends or family to create a babysitting co-op. Everyone wins!

Planning a Night Out?

If you’re heading out, set your babysitter up for success so you can actually relax while you’re gone. Download and fill out the Babysitter Information Sheet →

It’s a simple way to make sure your sitter has everything they need (and you get a little extra peace of mind).

Finding the Right Babysitter

The search for a great sitter doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. Try these practical ways to find reliable help:

Ask Around: Word of mouth is gold. Check with friends, neighbors, or coworkers for recommendations.
Local Networks: Community boards at schools, churches, or neighborhood centers often have sitter listings.
Online Options: Sites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter offer profiles, reviews, and background checks.
Parenting Groups: Local social media or neighborhood apps can be great places to find experienced sitters near you.
Do a Test Run: Before the big night out, schedule a short visit to make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, keep looking. Peace of mind is worth every extra step.

How to Start a Babysitting Co-Op

If you’d rather skip the hourly rates, team up with trusted friends or family and trade time instead. Here’s how to make it work:

Gather Your Group: Three to five families with kids around the same ages is a good mix.
Set Expectations: Decide on rules for time tracking, screen time, snacks, and bedtime routines.
Use Shared Tools: A free app or shared calendar keeps schedules clear and flexible.
Stay in Touch: A group text makes last-minute swaps simple and stress-free.
Prepare a “Kid Kit”: Each family keeps a small tote of comfort items: snacks, favorite books, or bedtime must-haves.
Do a Trial Run: One short evening helps everyone get used to the rhythm before the real swaps begin.

Why It Matters

Holiday plans come with enough moving parts. Childcare doesn’t need to be one of them. Taking a little time now means more freedom to enjoy the moments that matter most, whether that’s a night out with friends or a peaceful evening of wrapping gifts without tiny “helpers.”

More Ways to Participate in #EC40DayChallenge:

Question: What’s your best babysitting tip or funniest sitter story? Share it in the comments or over in the group. We could all use a good laugh (and a good tip)!