Money-Wise Parenting Tips

CEBU, Philippines - It is also the paramount responsibility of parents to provide for the needs of their children. This particular parental duty is increasingly difficult these days with the skyrocketing cost of living. However, with proper planning and consistent effort, even low-income earners will be able to surmount the economic hardship, and come out financially sufficient and okay as parents.

The following cost-saving ideas are definitely worth every parent's consideration:

Lunch.

Buying lunch every day can add up tremendously. A modest meal at the cafeteria or school canteen can easily run 50 pesos or more. That's 250 pesos a week for one person, for lunch alone - a whopping 12,000 pesos a year! A healthy lunch, fruit drink and sandwich brought from home cost less than 35 pesos in all, lunch and snack, and will save at least 75 pesos a week or 3,800 pesos a year.

TV Time.

Schedule TV watching at specific times only, like when the whole family can watch together. This has many advantages. As a parent, you get to know what shows your children are watching. And you are there to explain certain things - words, jargons, euphemisms or ideas - which the young ones may otherwise misinterpret. This can promote better bonding among the family, too.

Moreover, wise TV scheduling can result not only in reduced house electricity bills but also in ample time for the kids to help in the house chores and do their school assignments.

Cell Phone.

As your children begin to have friends, there are always other kids out there who want to keep in touch with them. And you may be tempted to buy your young ones a mobile phone, one of those inexpensive ones you saw at the cell phone store. Think twice about it.

Children use the cell phone as a toy and not really as a necessary communication gadget that it is. What makes the cell phone expensive is not really the acquisition cost of a unit, but the call- or text-loads that you'll have to spend for regularly. Moreover, carrying a cell phone will only expose your kids to the attention of snatchers.

Any important communication for your children can certainly be relayed on the home phone. Friendly chitchats can wait until they meet again with their friends at school.

Clothes.

Choose clothes with stretch or "growth" allowance. Wide arm holes and leg seams that can be let out and wide hems or tucks in dresses all allow room for growing. But be reasonable in your choices: go for clothes that are roomy but not too large.

Today's "oversized" fashion for teenagers is an advantage. Extra-large shirts and loose pants can be used much longer, as long as they stay in one piece. As a child gets older, either the garment becomes more form-fitting or it is passed down to younger siblings.

However, there are just certain items that you must replace almost every year, simply because the kids outgrow them. Try to find parents with children somewhat bigger or somewhat smaller than yours and suggest clothes swaps.

Also consider shopping at garage sales or thrift shops. There you can often find coats, slickers, rain boots etc. in good condition, at half the price or less. Take your kids along, so they can choose the ones they like.

Treats.

A working parent may feel guilty having to leave home for the office. If this is your case, you may be tempted to compensate by picking up small gifts for your kids - a toy, a box of crayons, sweets, junk foods. But you must try to resist the urge.

Remember that you work because you want to make life better for your children - not to spoil them with unnecessary treats. If your conscience really bothers you, consider a no-cost treat for the kids when you get home, such as reading them a story or playing a game with them.

Special Gifts.

For special occasions, avoid buying presents at the last minute - you're bound to spend more. Instead, keep a lookout for appropriate bargain-priced presents whenever you're out shopping. Wrap these nicely, and tuck away for upcoming birthdays and other occasions.

Neighborhood bazaars, garage sales and some secluded arts-and-crafts stores are great places where to find unique presents at bargain prices.

A general rule for saving and managing your finances is to keep your wallet tightly closed. Even on payday, try scrimping as you normally do on any other day, so that you won't be caught short of money before the next pay comes. Then, if there's enough money left over by the next payday, maybe you can treat the whole family to a happy time out, once in a while. (FREEMAN)