The cost of child-rearing: It's best not to think about it

Someone in our family commented only a week ago on the estimated cost of raising a child from birth through high school. Thus, an article in the January 2 Kennebec Journal caught our attention. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this figure is an estimated $381,050 for high wage earners (over $74,900), with middle income families (in the $44,500-$74,900 wage bracket) spending an average of $260,700 from birth to 18 years, and low income families (those earning less than $44,500) spending an average of $190,050 (based on two adult/two children households).

Of course, we all know that not all children grow up with the best that money can buy. In fact, many have precious little. A warm, dry place to live, something to eat, and a few articles of clothing would be a dream come true for some unfortunate young people right here in our own "wealthy" country.

When it comes to food, all children don't get fresh fruits and vegetables and nourishing meat on a daily basis, either, but even those parents who can afford it find their children prefer hot dogs or hamburgers, mac and cheese, pizza, etc. and when it comes to eating out, choose the golden arches and other similar establishments rather than expensive restaurants.

Every frugal parent knows that there are ways to clothe children without buying fifty dollar shoes and hundred dollar jackets. Bargain hunting isn't reserved for low-income families, either. Smart shoppers take advantage of thrift shops, yard sales, and the discount racks in their favorite stores, no matter how fat their wallet.

There are, nonetheless, certain costs which all working families must face, such as quality day care, which can easily be in the $160 per week price range here in our own area. That takes a big chunk out of any working mother's paycheck, except, of course, those who may qualify for discounted rates or subsidies. If your child participates in any special classes, groups or athletic events as he or she is growing up, the same holds true. Thus, a lot of costs of child-rearing are pretty much the same, no matter how much or how little money you make.

These estimates on child-rearing costs are a bit staggering, because most of us never really think much about it. We know it's expensive, but we're focused more on a day-to day or week-to-week outgo rather than on how much it will cost to get them through high school.

The next time your youngster asks for something you really can't afford, throw some of these lifetime figures at them. It won't do much good, but it might prompt them to back off on their requests for a few minutes while they think about it.