Remember all of those statistics about the cost of raising a child? The USDA ‘s latest estimate’s to raise a child from birth to 18 today averages $241,000 not including college. It varies depending on the region you live in but any way you look at it, it is scary! With my kid in his senior year, I am astounded how much the extra curricular activities are costing. Between prom and pictures, senior trips and even the cost of taking AP tests, it makes me wonder how families can afford to have their children participate in all of the senior year activities that make their final year memorable. Plus the cost of normal activities the kids participate in like sports. It makes me yearn for the days of play dates and finger painting! HAHA Do you agree? Do you have any savings tips for families on affording the activities for kids?
Enjoy your day!
We did not have a lot of money when I was growing up so the extra-curricular costs that were no-brainers were only the academic ones, and even then our grandparents helped my single Mom. For athletic gear, we were lucky to go to a school that provided all except shoes (we were runners), but Mom did pay a lot in town property taxes to make sure we could live in a town with an awesome school system. We didn’t do any school trips (Senior week in the Carribbean? Give me a break!! Who needs that???!!!). Kids are too spoiled in my opinion and don’t understand the value of money.
Congratulations winners.
The cost of things is overwhelming. Buying used and doing swaps often works for band equipment or sport equipment. Some summer activities likes soccer or baseball might give you discounts for helping….like coach a team or ref a game. When kids are younger, at home crafts are great and can really be fun. Outdoor activities like biking is also good. Try to do a neighborhood ball team which can cut down on some costs plus limits the driving.
Congratulations to the 2 winners.
U agree with you about the rising cost of raising a child. It makes me realize how important it is to be financially prudent and find more ways to save money. For example most mothers would prefer a homemade card.
Yes I agree with making things affordable, we do lots of crafts at home, we recently made homemade play-doh, the idea came from my kids who wanted to buy it at the store but I just couldn’t so I said you know we will make it and that we did. I had cookie cutters on hand so they use those for shapes and such, And they had a ball playing with it.
I agree with you. It is ridiculously expensive. It makes me glad I only have one child, I don’t really think I can afford more!!
I love the homemade fingerpaint/hand pressed idea. I pinned a homemade project of a Valentine hand print (the daughter’s hand in the mother’s) and tons of people pinned it. It was so pretty and next to nothing in cost to make.