Save Money on Children's Clothes and Books
Five Thrifty Ideas for Frugal Living when You're Raising Children
Mar 15, 2009
You don't need to have a lavish income to raise children, but you do need to make wise choices about where to spend your money when your income is limited. Here are five ways to parent on a limited budget.
Use Your Public Library
The library is a wonderful resource for parents, especially those who don't have the income to buy every book that catches your (or your child's) eye. Your public library can supply a never-ending rotation of fresh bedtime stories for young children, board books for babies to play with, books on parenting, as well as resources on cooking, gardening, sports or any other activity that a family might want to try. Library cards are free, and as long as you remember to bring books back on time, the service is free too.
Spend Time at the Neighborhood Playground
Another wonderful resource for families is your local neighborhood playground. Playing outdoors on the swings, slide and climbing equipment is a great way for children to develop physical strength and skill, and parents can meet other parents who live in the area. Depending on where you live, your playground might be covered in snow and ice for several months of the year, so try contacting your local park board to find out if there are any indoor playgrounds in community centers nearby.
Choose Second-Hand Clothes for Kids
There's no doubt about it, it can be expensive to keep a child clothed. Between growth spurts, spaghetti sauce stains and playground mishaps, it's easy to find that your child's wardrobe is suddenly too small, stained and scruffy to be presentable. Buying second-hand clothes for kids can keep your clothing budget under control. Look for classic styles and sturdy construction that will withstand rough and tumble play. Even if you do need to buy a few brand-new things for special events or new shoes to round out your child's wardrobe, buying second hand clothes for everyday play will certainly save you money.
Cook Meals Together at Home
Family mealtimes are important, both for the nutrition and emotional security they provide. By cooking and eating meals together at home instead of grabbing fast food on your way to your evening activity you'll save money and be healthier too. Children from toddlers to teens will also benefit from participating in preparing and cleaning up after family meals, and will be more likely to know how to cook for themselves when they leave home.
Turn Off the TV
Not every family will want to choose to get rid of its TV for good, but reducing the number of hours your children watch can help save you money. Children who don't watch TV are less likely to lobby for expensive toys, sugary cereals or branded merchandise when you take them shopping. If you can't imagine what you will do with your kids when the TV isn't on, check out some ideas for TV Free Family Fun.
Being thrifty or parenting on a budget doesn't have to feel like you're being a miser or that you can't enjoy your life. Budgeting and thrifty living can help you stay in control of your spending so that by saving money on second hand clothes or eating at home instead of going out for pizza, you'll be able to afford those expensive dance lessons, awesome bike or college savings fund that your child will really benefit from in the long term.
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