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How to Save Money when You Have Kids: Good Parenting During Tough Economic Times
Parenting tips that will help your family grow closer during tough financial times
Kids value your time over the latest gadgetChildren cherish time with their parents more over the latest i-pod, fashion doll, or video game that came out in time for the holiday rush. Adults never lament that they never had that cool remote-controlled car or the newest shoe sensation as a child. What is heard again and again is the lack of time spent with a parent who was either absent or was working too hard to spend time with their child. Make a concerted effort to double the time you spend with your children each week. They will be so excited that mom or dad went with the to the movies, a picnic, or park with them, that they will not gauge your love for them by the toys in their closet. Your children will know that you love them by the time you spend with them.
Back to the basics
Despite all of the brouhaha over the latest electronic educational toys, give a child a ball and a field, and they will be entertained for hours in good, healthy outdoor fun. Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and jump ropes are other inexpensive childhood staples that have withstood the test of time. Even my savvy inner city students looked forward to the hour each day when they could enjoy the sunshine safely and play with their friends. Other fun games included hula hoop and frisbee. All of these items can easily be found at the nearest dollar store, and the children get some exercise to boot!
Turn the TV off
Keep communication open
When my parents went bankrupt, they sat my sister and I down and explained our new economic situation in simple terms. They allowed us to voice our concerns (I was about 12, my sister 8). Together, as a family, we decided that certain things - new clothes and toys, private school, and the cars - would have to go if we wanted to save our house. Because they explained the situation to us, we did not complain when we had to shop at Goodwill, when we ate spam and tuna every night for months, or when going to the mall just involved window-shopping. We learned to appreciate the sacrifices our parents made and became better people for it. Be honest with your children about finances.
Good nutrition
During tough economic times it is difficult to keep families well fed. Children and teens seem to need a boundless amount of fuel to keep going, and mounting bills continue to eat into the family grocery budget. Although the temptation may be to stock up on boxes of easy-to-make meals and canned goods, there are ways to save money and still provide good nutrition for your children. Farmer's markets, buying in bulk, brown bag lunches, and cooking up large pots of filling staples (chili, navy bean soup, etc.) are just some ways to keep your kids healthy and full. See the links listed below for ways to save on food costs.
Leading by example
Children learn by emulating their parents. Demonstrate strong character, a loving heart, and wisdom, and your children will follow suit. Avoiding wasteful spending at home and valuing precious quality time will help your family grow, no matter what the financial hardship.
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