Today my oldest son turns 13. It got me to thinking about the lessons we’ve learned. I thought I would share 13 things I’ve learned about frugality in parenting this particular child.
Year 1
It takes a car seat, a few sleepers, a bed of some kind, and some diapers to bring a baby home from the hospital. Everything else they give you at the hospital. The rest is pretty much window dressing.
Year 2
They like the box better than the present!
Year 3
They still don’t know the difference between new and used. Take advantage of it as long as you can.
Year 4
Four year old soccer is fun to watch, but a complete waste of money (IMHO). Save your money and spend your time at the library and park instead.
Year 5
Expensive homeschooling curriculum is better saved for the older years. Spend your money and time on reading and math, and save the other stuff for later.
Year 6
If you are raising a reader, teach them now that books come from the library and not the store. Save a few special books to give as gifts.
Year 7
The most expensive parts of raising kids are usually not things you planned on before they were born. A special need (emotional, physical, or educational) can break your bank. This is the right time to spend your money! Don’t waste it on the meaningless stuff and you’ll be better able to handle the important things when they come along.
Year 8
If you have a boy, Lego sets are a great investment. They will play with them now, and for many more years than they are willing to admit.
Year 9
Every boy wants a portable gaming system eventually, and they are not cheap! Avoid it if you can, require them to pay for it (or at least part of it) if you can’t.
Year 10
Boy Scouts, while not free, is a bargain compared to most activities, and an incredible growth opportunity. (Plus, thriftiness is one of their core values!)
Year 11
The first year of summer camp is the most expensive. Buy durable supplies, label them well, and remind yourself frequently that it will be less expensive next year.
Year 12
Now is the time to think about that more expensive curriculum. Self-paced curriculum can be very pricey, but far cheaper than a tutorial.
Year 13 (or what I’m learning now)
The expense of raising a child is largely determined by what you teach your kids. If stewardship has been a constant theme in your home as long as your kids can remember, they take to frugality pretty easily.
In purely financial terms, having kids is certainly not the best choice. But some things are far better than money!
Looking for more frugal ideas? Check out Frugal Friday at LifeasMOM.
