Single mother cost - DC area

outdoors20

Hi everyone! I have been thinking about becoming a single mother now for a year and the only thing holding me back is the cost of daycare in DC metro area. I've read it can cost up to $2000 a month in this area. My family is all in New England, so help from them is pretty much out of the question. Any suggestions would be great!

danascully

Hi there - I live in No. VA about 30 miles outside of DC (but I work in DC). My daycare is out closer to my home and it's $800/month. But yes, in DC itself and in the closer-in suburbs, it can run $2000 - and the waiting lists are long (like, 2 years) so it wouldn't hurt to get on a list now, just in case. I'm a SMBC, too (my son is 10 weeks old today!) and daycare was my biggest worry/expense. I finally just said "I'll find a way to make it work" and went for it! Good luck to you, whatever you decide!

brina2784

I live in Austin and childcare is pretty expensive here as well. BUT where there is a will there is a way! My daughter went to a home care for the first 2 years with about three other kids. It was a stay at home mom referred by another friend. She only charged me 500 a month. Ask around and check out (REALLY check out) different places. Sometimes you will get lucky and there will be a stay at home mom who doesn't need the money but wouldn't mind some extra and is already at home with her baby so she doesn't mind one more. I have one 3 yr old and am going through the process this time (by choice) for #2. It is doable, I promise, stressful but doable.

ChoiceMom76

Hi outdoors 20-- did you go for it? What did you do about daycare? I also work in DC, so would love to hear your thoughts.