I still work, but I watch my grandson once a week to help my daughter save on childcare. It's been beneficial for all of us.

Tech Insider : Business
Steve smiles while holding his young grandson.
I help my daughter by watching my grandson once a week.

Steve McCarthy

Here's how much it costs to raise a child in each state

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Business
Parents and youn children play together
A LendingTree study found that, on average, it costs $297,674 to raise a child over 18 years.

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

What an extra $500 to $1,000 a month did for 8 families

Tech Insider : Economy, Politics, Economy

Elon Musk says people should worry less about the cost of having children, and 'start immediately'

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy
Elon Musk encouraged people to have kids immediately at a pro-Trump rally on Saturday.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said people worry too much about the cost of raising children.

Michael Swensen/Getty Images

I quit my job to look after my grandchildren. My son initially paid me $10 an hour, but now I gladly do it for free.

Tech Insider
A grandmother embraces her granddaughter outdoors. They're both smiling.
A grandmother (not pictured) said being paid to look after her grandchild made her feel like an "employee."

Oliver Rossi/Getty images

I moved across the world to live with my son and daughter-in-law. It was a sacrifice, but I wanted to help with childcare.

Tech Insider
A grandmother helps her granddaughter dress for school.
Nan Ray, not pictured, moved from India to the US because she felt it was her grandmotherly "duty" to care for her grandchildren.

Mayur Kakade/ Getty Images

I can't afford a babysitter to watch my kids while I work. I rely on their grandmother and my partner for childcare.

Tech Insider
A grandmother sits in a table to draw with her grandson.

Catherine Falls Commercial/ Getty Images

Ali Wong leans on her mom and ex-husband to succeed as a working mom

Tech Insider
Ali Wong attends the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards
Ali Wong (pictured) has two kids, aged 6 and 8.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images

We moved my mom in to help us take care of our triplets. We couldn't afford childcare, but we also couldn't do it alone.

Tech Insider
A mom, dad, grandmother, and triplets stand in a backyard dressed for a costume party.
Stephanie Ross, left, with her mom, Monica Ross, husband, Andrew Philippe, and their triplets dressed up for a costume party.

Courtesy of Stephanie Ross

Parents are turning to a 'paid village' to handle childcare and cleaning. Costs range from $500 to $2,600 a month.

Tech Insider
Teacher Keshawna Edwards zips up the coat of Montana Mason, 3, before recess at Little Flowers Early Childhood and Development Center
Parents in the US are paying from $500 to $2,600 for child care.

The Washington Post/Getty Images

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