"If you told me years ago that older kids were more expensive than toddlers, I would've never believed you. Little kids seemed so expensive - with childcare, diaper costs, and constant new clothes and toys. But I was wrong. No one had prepared me for the true cost of parenting my bigger kids - who are now 9 and 13 - especially for the perpetual spend fest that is late summer into the holidays."
"Starting in September, it's a constant financial drain with musical instrument rentals, new soccer cleats, sports gear, and endless school supply lists. Plus, there's getting back into a routine with allowances and chores. The spending flow continues straight into the holidays, with Homecoming dances, Halloween, and all manner of middle school events in between: field trips, outdoor education trips, school pictures, and yearbook purchases."
The family faces rising costs for children ages nine and thirteen, with September through December the most expensive months. Annual monthly costs include phone bills, competitive sports, groceries, and personal care. Back-to-school expenses add instrument rentals, soccer cleats, sports gear, and long school supply lists. Spending continues into fall events and holidays with Homecoming dances, Halloween, field trips, outdoor education trips, school pictures, and yearbook purchases. Frequent small requests such as hair care and skincare create new budget line items. Unexpected curveballs also occur. New budgeting habits and teaching children financial literacy are being adopted to manage and reduce the financial strain.
Read at Business Insider
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