Raising Kids Without Spending Money

Living in an affluent community, I often have the opportunity to see how some fairly wealthy kids are raised and compare that to the opposite of the spectrum with kids who are living below the federal poverty line. It is always interesting to compare and contrast the lives of these children.

While money certainly buys healthier food and access to safer housing, neither an overabundance, or lack of it, does not directly impact the bond that is a family. Strong families are built on a foundation of love with a whole lot of time and attention thrown in for good measure, which is something money cannot buy. Which is why I am always fascinated to read reports on how much it costs to raise a child. Using Babycenter.com's drop down menu, I was able to calculate that our youngest daughter is apt to cost us more than $212,000.

That is an astonishing number and one that I would argue is high. I can offer some valuable ideas on how to cut some corners and "parent on the cheap".

Since play is such a big part of a child's life, let's begin with some inexpensive (and fun) adventures you can have together.

Set up an arts and crafts day. Collect ribbons, egg cartons, google eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners and glue (much of which can be found at dollar stores), add some papers, macaroni or other noodles, and whatever other crafty things you have around the house. Place some newspaper on a table and go ahead and be messy and get creative together.

If you would rather incorporate some exercise into your play, head outside for a walk around the neighborhood. Search for trolls, or fairies (flower beds are a favorite hiding place). Let your child show you where the magic is waiting outside. Let your imaginations play and listen to your little person. Once my middle daughter told me she saw a giant hiding behind a tree. Who am I to think otherwise? If it is raining, throw on some warm clothes and go out anyway. There is nothing better than a walk in the rain. Adults see storms as bothersome and messy, but kids know an adventure when it is presented to them. They can teach us a lot when we let them.

How about some music? Grab pots and pans, spatula or a large wooden spoon, measuring spoons, Tupperware, or whatever is in your kitchen cupboards. Let your kids show you how to turn ordinary household objects into fun musical instruments. You'll be amazed at what they come up with once you give them free reign.

If you are having trouble pulling your kids away from the x-box, how about spending some time with them designing your own family board game? You just need a large piece of cardboard, some markers and your combined imaginations. You could make it look like your town or neighborhood and use happy meal toys as playing pieces. Who knows what you will come up with. Or you could design some sort of role playing game together if your child is a little bit older and is interested in that.

Simple things are the best! Fly a kite. Play catch. Teach them how to go around the world with a yo-yo, or how to juggle. Make a fort or a tent with some blankets and chairs. Just read together.

There are so many free and inexpensive things you can do with your kids. Once you get started, you'll be amazed at the possibilities that exist and you might just find they will seek you out and see if you have time to play. Time is more valuable than money, so spend it wisely.