We all know that having kids is an expensive venture — recent research has calculated that it costs between $15K and $17K a year for a middle-class family to raise a child, depending on multiple factors, including where you live. And while most of that money typically goes toward housing costs, second up is childcare, which costs an average of 22% of household income. Now, a new report proves it’s not only the financial burden, but also the emotional toll that caretaking for kids, as well as aging parents and pets, takes on moms and dads. 

These scary yet enlightening stats come via Care.com’s 2025 Cost of Care report, which polled 3,000 parents across the U.S. To put it simply, caretaking is expensive and stressful, and it’s affecting parents’ mental health, (which we know because, duh, but also because late last year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning on parents’ declining mental well-being). A few interesting (and depressing?) stats to note:

• The average parent says they care for five loved ones, including kids, aging parents or relatives, and pets

• In regards to the stress of caregiving, 90% of parents report losing sleep, 80% report crying (for moms, this increases to 90%), 75% report feeling a sense of dread, and 71% say they’re experiencing health issues

• There are a multitude of reasons for this stress, according to the report, including costs of childcare, the exhausting search for reliable care, and personal sacrifice both at work and at home (on the latter note, the report says parents get an average of just three hours a day to themselves, or two for moms specifically)

• Many parents want help paying for care, whether that comes from employers subsidizing it or government assistance via tax breaks

• 33% of parents have had to tap into their savings to help them accord childcare

• 89% have had to limit their spending elsewhere or make major life adjustments (such as taking on additional jobs) to help afford the costs

You don’t need a reminder of how expensive childcare is, but here are the average weekly costs of childcare in 2024, according to Care.com. Again, these numbers vary based on the age of the child, number of children, and geographic location:

• Average weekly nanny cost: $827 

• Average weekly daycare cost: $343

• Average weekly family care center cost: $344

• Average weekly babysitter cost: $167

The point of this survey is not to cause more stress on us or worsen the parental mental load, but instead to inspire change. That can look like more workplace support for parents, federal laws that enact systemic improvements, or, frankly, more visibility for moms’ unpaid labor of running a household and a family. 

But until and if those things happen, what are stressed out parents supposed to do in the interim? How can we make it work and not let the burden of childcare consume your thoughts and energy?

According to Parents.com experts, there are a few actionable steps to take right now:

• If budget allows, find a trustworthy caregiver who can complete multiple tasks and make your life easier, such as babysitting and light housework or cooking

• Consider a co-op, nanny share, or another cost-effective solution with other parents in your community

• Prioritize your own well-being by making plans with friends, engaging in self-care, and planning regular date nights with your partner, if you have one

Care.com’s 2025 Cost of Care toolkit also includes tips on how to lessen the mental load, ease the financial burden via tax breaks and advocate for change with your employer. Hey, it’s a start?!

Which of these stats surprises you the most?

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