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Am I spoiling my kids??
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Mimi_Arc_en_ciel
Posts: 4,851 Forumite


Hi,
Discussing finances recently with my friends and a few have said I am spending too much (or rather "spoiling") on my kids. I didn't think I was but now I'm not so sure! They're 10 and 5
Between them they get:
Horse riding: £140 per month
Savings: £83.00 per month
Swimming: £22per month
Brownies: £16 per month
Looks a lot right? It works out at £30per week each. They don't get pocket money but we always have sweets etc in (and Santa Claus got them both magazine subscriptions)
How much (if you don't mind sharing!) do you spend on your kids? Am I spending too much?!
EDIT: I can afford these activities. My friends said I should cut their money and keep it for myself / put into savings (I already do save btw)
Discussing finances recently with my friends and a few have said I am spending too much (or rather "spoiling") on my kids. I didn't think I was but now I'm not so sure! They're 10 and 5
Between them they get:
Horse riding: £140 per month
Savings: £83.00 per month
Swimming: £22per month
Brownies: £16 per month
Looks a lot right? It works out at £30per week each. They don't get pocket money but we always have sweets etc in (and Santa Claus got them both magazine subscriptions)
How much (if you don't mind sharing!) do you spend on your kids? Am I spending too much?!
EDIT: I can afford these activities. My friends said I should cut their money and keep it for myself / put into savings (I already do save btw)
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Comments
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I've got no idea about your other costs but that is a lot for brownies! Our unit is £16 a term! Although we are one of the lowest priced and will be increasing that to £20 shortly. Most of the units in our district charge around £2 a week.0
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Swimming is a great skill plus excellent exercise, Brownies is for making friends outside school and learning different things, saving is a fantastic habit to get into. It's only horse riding that's expensive, but is also good exercise in the fresh air and teaches discipline, patience and respect. If they're really into it they can help out at the stables in exchange for free rides when they're older. Shovelling !!!!!! makes you realise the value of your time and labour!
I would only suggest stop buying sweets yourself and give them a small amount of pocket money so they can learn how to calculate good value themselves. I remember agonising over how to spend my 20p; on midget gems that you got more of because they were lighter, or sherbet lemons which were heavier but lasted longer?They are an EYESORES!!!!0 -
Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »I remember agonising over how to spend my 20p; on midget gems that you got more of because they were lighter, or sherbet lemons which were heavier but lasted longer?
2 bags of 10p mix all the way!!Dwy galon, un dyhead,
Dwy dafod ond un iaith,
Dwy raff yn cydio’n ddolen,
Dau enaid ond un taith.0 -
I think those are fair if they don't get pocket monies.
But do you plan on buying them ponies:eek:0 -
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I've got no idea about your other costs but that is a lot for brownies! Our unit is £16 a term! Although we are one of the lowest priced and will be increasing that to £20 shortly. Most of the units in our district charge around £2 a week.
£16 a month / 2 kids = £8 / ~4 weeks = £2 a week.
@ OP, doesnt seem that bad. Ok horse riding is a bit of a luxury thing but its hardly something theyd ever be able to save and pay for themselves really.
Is the savings for adult life? If so wouldnt say that was to unreasonable. If they can use it now might be different.
Swimming doesnt seem that unreasonable either. Maybe for the older child give them an equivalent pocket money and let them choose to spend on that or for something else, promotes a bit of fincial responsibility.
I spend about £20 a week but thats mainly milk powder and nappies.0 -
I've got no idea about your other costs but that is a lot for brownies! Our unit is £16 a term! Although we are one of the lowest priced and will be increasing that to £20 shortly. Most of the units in our district charge around £2 a week.
It includes costs for pack holidays and trips out
I put the money into one of my higher interest accounts and when its time to pay up I use that money. Subs are also £2 here0 -
It doesn't sound excessive to me (if it's affordable for you).
You've made me think about what we spend on our 2 in the month:
Gymnastics: £75 (eldest child only, 3 sessions a week)
Kayaking: £20 (eldest child only)
Climbing: £50 (youngest child only)
Kickboxing: £26 (youngest child only)
Swimming: £17 (youngest child only)
Scouts: £25 (both children)
Plus they each get £5pw pocket money paid directly into their own bank accounts, for which they have debit cards.
Their pocket money is for them to spend or save depending on what they want.
They also both have savings accounts for adulthood.Kate short for Bob.
Alphabet thread High Priestess of all things unsavoury
Tesla was a genius.0 -
It doesn't sound excessive to me (if it's affordable for you).
You've made me think about what we spend on our 2 in the month:
Gymnastics: £75 (eldest child only, 3 sessions a week)
Kayaking: £20 (eldest child only)
Climbing: £50 (youngest child only)
Kickboxing: £26 (youngest child only)
Swimming: £17 (youngest child only)
Scouts: £25 (both children)
Plus they each get £5pw pocket money paid directly into their own bank accounts, for which they have debit cards.
Their pocket money is for them to spend or save depending on what they want.
They also both have savings accounts for adulthood.0
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