Parents Gone Wild (for their kids)

Kim · **Parents Gone Wild (for their kids)**

An interesting article on MSN Money:
Parents gone wild (for their kids) - MSN Money

I agree with it wholeheartedly. Parents are trying to provide their kids a cushy lifestyle at the expense of their own financial best interest.

kamsmommy · 07-03-2007, 11:51 AM

Yeah I can see us there. Not in the daily "mommy I want that" at the store but the private school.

Our three are in private school and the oldest is going in 7th grade. So we have to make the decision very soon on whether to continue to a private high school which is significantly more expensive.

All of the girls in her class with the exception of one undecided are going to the same private high school. We don't socialize with anyone in our neighborhood so she will know absolutely no one if she goes to public. I really hate the thought of it. But are we prepared to spend the $100,000 + to send three to high school?!

melsb · 07-03-2007, 11:42 PM

I totally see parents doing this and even catch myself from time to time. Though I have to say my husband is the worst. He grew up very poor and looks for ways to provide differenty for his children -- in some ways this is great! He's a wonderful father but on the other hand he's always buying some thing for our daughter, and I'm sure it will be the same with our son, leaving us short on money and me trying to figure out where to put the item in a house that we're supposed to be downsizing!

Sundowner2 · 07-04-2007, 09:04 AM

I saw this yesterday. Made me remind my DH again that we need to start putting towards our retirement before we start doing much for college. I can see where it would be easy to overspend on a child, I hope I can do it the frugal yet fun way, with great sales and yard sales, and teach the,m it's the item and the thought and the time you spend together that's important, not the price tag.

anniebananie · 07-09-2007, 10:48 AM

The one time of year when we (I) overdo it for the kids is Christmas. I grew up with a large Christmas - lots of presents (most very inexpensive, with only one really "nice" present each year), wrapping paper flying everywhere, squeals of delight and I want my children to have that same awe and wonder on Christmas morning.

Other than that, we don't keep up with the Joneses or anyone else. We do send our kids to private school, which does cost a fortune, but we both believe that education is the most important thing so we will stretch ourselves for our children's education.

ember15 · 07-09-2007, 11:06 AM

I try not to overdue, we have a budget at stick to it. We are overdueing only in the fact that I want to stay home with DD. That really doesn't give me much wiggle room in the budget. Over spending is what grandparents are for!