Kids Ain't Cheap

Why Vintage Baby Clothes Are Cooler Than Anything in Stores Right Now

March 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Many adults wear vintage clothes to stand out and make a fashion statement. But did you know that you can buy vintage baby clothes too? They’re often cooler and higher quality than the clothing available in stores today. You can find vintage baby clothes on eBay, at thrift stores, and on apps like Vinted. Here’s why you should consider shopping secondhand for your newborn or toddler.

Vintage Baby Clothes Are Sustainable

Every year, over 90 million tons of clothes end up in the landfill. Fast fashion contributes to this problem. Clothing that’s cheap to produce isn’t durable enough to stand the test of time and often ends up in the garbage. Buying gently used baby clothes helps reduce this textile waste and gives high-quality garments from the past a second life.

They’re Nostalgic

Vintage baby clothes are nostalgic and can remind parents or grandparents of their own childhood. It’s fun to take photos of your baby in the same type of clothing you wore at their age. You may even have a baby box in the attic with some special outfits you can pass down to the next generation.

Made of Better Materials

According to TheRoundup.org, nearly 60% of modern clothing is made of synthetic materials. Vintage garments, on the other hand, are often made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool. Natural garments are usually produced with fewer chemicals and are more durable, so they hold up to rough play and frequent washes. Plus, cotton is more breathable and comfortable than synthetics like acrylic and nylon. It’s likely that your kids will prefer the look and feel of vintage baby clothes.

Vintage Baby Clothes Are Cost-Effective

Whether you’re finding vintage baby clothes at the thrift store or on eBay, you can expect to save quite a bit by shopping secondhand. New, mass-produced baby clothes can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 or more per garment. On average, parents spend over $600 a year to buy 0 to 2T baby clothes. Gently used baby clothes are usually discounted substantially, allowing you to save 50% or more.

However, rare or collectible vintage items can sometimes cost more than new fast fashion. If you want to dress your baby in luxury vintage clothes, shopping at thrift stores and estate sales (instead of boutiques that may mark prices up) can help you save money.

Timeless Designs

Fast fashion has caused trends to come and go quickly. Many modern clothes for babies and toddlers feature details that date them, such as the most popular cartoon characters of the moment. Vintage baby clothes tend to be more classic, with silhouettes and details that have stood the test of time.

You can find vintage rompers, bonnets, and smock dresses with classic embellishments like embroidery and lace, enabling you to build a timeless wardrobe for your baby. With proper care, your child may even be able to pass down these items to their kids, potentially creating a fashion legacy for your family!

Vintage Baby Clothes Are Unique

Shopping secondhand ensures that your child stands out from the crowd. Instead of wearing the same mass-produced outfits as everyone else, your baby or toddler will have their own personal style. Dressing up your child in vintage clothes is a great way to encourage creativity and uniqueness from a young age.

Buying Vintage Baby Clothes Supports Small Businesses

Small businesses and independent secondhand sellers on sites like eBay often employ people in the community and enrich the local economy. Buying vintage clothes from a small business allows you to support your neighbors instead of lining the pockets of a major retailer. Plus, these transactions are usually a win-win. You’ll get higher quality items at fair prices while uplifting local entrepreneurs.

Would you dress your kids in vintage clothes? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Ultimate First Year Baby Budget Guide: Affordable Must-Haves for New Parents on a Tight Budget

February 28, 2025 | Leave a Comment

The amount of supplies and gear new parents have to buy can be overwhelming and costly. Although you’ll probably get lots of cute onesies from family and friends, you’ll still need to purchase a car seat, stroller, baby monitor, and more. If money is tight, check out our baby budget list, which will help guide your purchases. Below are the essential items you’ll need to bring your baby home from the hospital.

Baby Budget List for New Parents

1. Graco 4Ever Car Seat

Although this car seat isn’t the cheapest on the market, its convertible design ensures you can use it for years to come. It transforms from a harness car seat into a booster to accommodate children up to 120 pounds. With proper use and care, Graco claims that this car seat can last for up to 10 years, allowing you to truly get your money’s worth.

2. VTech Baby Monitor

It’s worth it to splurge on items you’ll use for a long time, such as a convertible car seat. However, since you’ll only need a baby monitor until your child starts sleeping through the night, a basic model will do the job. Made by trusted electronics manufacturer VTech, this baby monitor offers reliable performance at an affordable price. It features a long battery life of up to 19 hours, a clear 2.8” display, 2-way talk, built-in lullabies, and more.

3. Mama Koala Cloth Diapers

Next on this budget baby list are cloth diapers by Mama Koala. A newborn baby will go through as many as 3000 diapers in the first year, which can cost up to $900. Cloth diapers can be a cheaper alternative to disposable ones since they’re reusable. While you do need to wash cloth diapers, they pay for themselves after only 15 uses.

These Mama Koala diapers come with adjustable inserts to prevent leaks and increase absorbency. They also grow with your child and fit toddlers up to 40 pounds thanks to the flexible fasteners, making them even more cost-effective.

4. Budget Stroller

As a new parent, you’ll need to bring a lot of baby gear with you when you head out of the house. To help reduce some of the load, consider getting a carseat stroller combo like the Baby Trend Ez Ride Travel System. This model’s baby carrier securely fits into both the car seat base and stroller, so you won’t have to move your newborn to and from different seats. When your child outgrows the carrier, fortunately you can still use the stroller. It has a multi-position reclining seat that can comfortably accommodate toddlers.

However, some parents prefer a standalone stroller so they can leave their child’s car seat in their vehicle. In that case, the Century Stroll On 3-Wheel Stroller is a great option. It folds up compactly and weighs just 15 pounds, making it easy to transport. It also has a large adjustable canopy with a peekaboo window, two trays, a reclining seat, and locking wheels.

5. Graco On the Go Zip Playard

Everything your baby needs can take up a lot of space and they often grow out of things fairly quickly. As your newborn grows into a toddler, you will no longer need a bassinet, and will likely need to buy a playpen. The Graco On the Go Zip Playard is a great example of a transitional item.

The bassinet easily converts into a playpen to grow with your baby, saving space and money at the same time. This product follows AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines, so you can rest assured that your baby is secure. There’s also a toy bar to keep your baby entertained, and mesh siding to help you keep a watchful eye on your child.

6. Halo Newborn Swaddle

Many new parents believe they need lots of different linens, but you can actually get by with just a swaddle if you’re on a tight budget. This newborn swaddle by Halo is large enough to be used as a nursing and stroller cover, burp cloth, or changing pad cover in a pinch. It’s made of soft cotton and features a 3-way adjustable design for maximum comfort. There’s even an inverted zipper that allows you to change your baby’s diaper without removing them from the swaddle.

Wrapping Up

Although we’ve covered many of the items you’ll need, keep in mind that this budget baby list isn’t all-inclusive. If your health insurance doesn’t provide feeding supplies, you may need to purchase a pump. Plus, you’ll need hygiene items like diaper cream and wipes.

But hopefully this roundup has given you some ideas on how to save money on big-ticket items. Purchasing multi-use products like a bassinet that doubles as a playpen will help you save space and cut costs.

Although some items may need to be purchased new for safety or hygiene reasons, you can also save money by buying used when possible. Amazon Renewed is a great place to find gently used, refurbished products. Sometimes baby items also show up on Woot, which is Amazon’s discount site.

Do you have any money-saving advice for new parents? Share your tips in the comments below!

12 Childcare Issues That Rich People Never Have to Face

February 26, 2025 | Leave a Comment

For the average family, childcare is one of their biggest monthly expenses. If daycare is draining your finances, you might have to put savings for your child and their future on the backburner. Wealthy people usually don’t have to make trade-offs or sacrifices to afford quality childcare. In this post, we’ll explore 12 childcare issues that rich people never have to face to help raise awareness about these disparities.

1. Limiting Family Size Due to Childcare Costs

Depending on the age of the child, the cost of full-time childcare can range from $5,000 to $17,000 per year. For some families, sending just one child to daycare is such a financial struggle that they can’t afford to have a second.

Lower-income couples who have always wanted multiple children are often forced to make tough family planning decisions. Out of financial necessity, they might have to limit their family size or delay having more kids until their oldest children are in school and out of daycare. Wealthy families simply don’t face these financial constraints.

2. Skipping Date Night to Save Money

Going on a weekly date night is a great way for couples to reconnect. Rich couples can easily afford nanny services, allowing them to regularly enjoy time away from the kids.

On the other hand, less affluent families are often unable to fit the cost of babysitting and eating out into their tight budgets. If they live near family and friends, they may be able to get free childcare occasionally when they need a break from parenting duties. This disparity may be one of the reasons low-income couples have higher divorce rates on average.

3. Dealing with Daycare Closures

Wealthy people often have live-in nannies and don’t have to deal with daycare closures. Daycares can shut down temporarily due to inclement weather, staffing issues, or illness outbreaks. During the pandemic, many parents struggled to find backup care for their children and were forced to juggle childcare responsibilities with remote work.

4. Burden on Older Siblings

Low-income families often struggle to afford childcare, which can place more responsibility on older siblings. In lieu of aftercare, the eldest child may walk younger siblings home from school and look after them until their parents return. This role forces the oldest child to grow up more quickly and may not be developmentally appropriate. Kids from affluent backgrounds who don’t have to step up for their siblings are free to enjoy their childhood and act their age.

5. Trouble Affording Summer Camp

Summer camp is a quintessential childhood experience. Everyone remembers those warm summer days spent canoeing, playing games, and hiking. But while the kids are out having fun, the parents are working to pay up to $2000 for each week of camp. If you’ve been saving for your child for a long time, you may be able to afford this luxury. But many low-income families can’t and struggle to arrange childcare during the summer.

Going into debt for summer camp or simply being unable to afford it is a hardship wealthy families don’t have to face. They can send their children to the best, most enriching summer camps without blinking at the cost, which is definitely a privilege.

6. Lack of Individualized Attention

In daycare settings, workers often have to look after multiple children at a time, limiting the amount of attention each child receives. Studies have shown that lack of attention during childhood can lead to behavioral problems.

Wealthy families often have a highly qualified live-in nanny who can focus on their child individually, allowing them to form a closer bond. Rich parents may also hire tutors for their young children to help prepare them for school and extracurriculars. As a result, children from rich backgrounds may have better developmental outcomes.

7. Limited Parental Leave

In the US, new parents aren’t guaranteed paid time off. Some workplaces don’t provide paid maternity or paternity leave as a benefit, which is why saving for your child is so important. Having cash reserves set aside will enable you to take time off to bond with your newborn without financial stress.

8. Lack of Services for Special Needs

Skipping Date Night to Save Money — Image Source: Pexels

Even if you’ve been saving for your child for a while, you still might not have enough funds to cover services for a special needs child. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy sessions can cost $100 or more. Depending on your child’s level of impairment, they may need years of treatment to catch up, costing you thousands.

Wealthy families can afford to pay for therapy or even send their children to specialized schools without financial strain, leading to better long-term outcomes.

9. Transportation Issues

Lack of transportation is another childcare issue that wealthy people don’t deal with. Some families can only afford one car, which makes coordinating daycare and work schedules difficult. Low-income families may even rely on public transportation, which makes getting around even harder.

Affluent families can afford extra vehicles, and may even be able to pay a nanny or driver to bring their kids to school. This is a big advantage that saves wealthy parents a lot of time.

10. Staying at Home Isn’t an Option

For many, childcare is a catch-22. You can’t have a traditional job without childcare, but childcare can take up a significant portion of your income. Less affluent couples are forced to find a way to get by on a single income or pony up for childcare. While couples will often debate if having a parent stay home is worth it, for single parents that isn’t an option at all.

When making childcare decisions, wealthy couples usually don’t have to factor in the cost. If one parent wants to stay home, they can do so without financial strain. Nannies can also be hired to help fill in any gaps, which is an option regular people don’t have.

11. Saving for Your Child vs. Paying for Childcare

If you’re middle or working class, saving for your child to go to college while paying for childcare is likely impossible. In 2022, the average family spent between 9% and 16% of their income on daycare. After paying bills and buying food, this leaves little room for saving for the future.

Affluent parents are often able to set up trusts for their kids and pass on generational wealth. Children from rich backgrounds who can attend college without worrying about the cost have a big leg up.

12. Impacts on Your Career

You always want to see some form of forward momentum in your career. But if you’re consistently being taken away from work to care for your kids or arrange last-minute backup care, you may miss some opportunities. While some employers may be more understanding or flexible, many lower-income parents will experience some impact on their career trajectory.

What are some childcare issues you’ve faced? Share your experiences in the comments.

Large Family Grocery List: 12 Must-Have Items to Keep Everyone Fed and Happy

February 24, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Keeping a large family fed and happy is a difficult balancing act. Each family member likely has competing allergies, dietary needs, and taste buds, which makes meal planning and writing a large family grocery list a challenge. For big groups, we love “build your own” meals like chopped salads, taco bars, and rice bowls.

They allow everyone to customize their portion with the ingredients and flavors they love, keeping the whole family satisfied. If you keep a few low-cost staples on hand, you’ll be able to cook modular recipes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Here are 12 must-have items to include in your large family grocery list.

Crowd-Pleasing Large Family Grocery List

Beans

Beans are a surprisingly good source of protein, especially considering how affordable they are. One cup of cooked black beans has 15 grams of protein, plus essential vitamins like iron, thiamine, magnesium, and manganese. Depending on the variety, dried beans typically cost $1 per pound or less, making them one of the cheapest proteins available.

Beans are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in lots of unique ways. You can mash up beans with bread crumbs and fry them to create satisfying bean cakes. Pinto beans can be refried with oil to make a satisfying burrito or taco filling. Bean salads or dips are also delicious ways to increase your fiber and protein intake. Plus, you can add them to sauces, soups, and casseroles for an extra dose of protein.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is one of the most affordable sources of protein for a large family grocery list at just $4 per pound on average. A cup of chicken has a whopping 43 grams of protein to keep the whole family satiated. You can easily stretch chicken breast and make it go further by shredding it up and adding it to recipes like soup and casserole. Pounding it flat can also help you get multiple portions from just one breast.

Pasta

Pasta is a versatile pantry staple and family favorite but is sometimes regarded as being unhealthy. However, pasta provides many important nutrients including dietary fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium, and more. It’s also a good source of complex carbs, which provide essential energy for children who are active and growing rapidly. Plus, pasta has a surprising amount of protein—about 5g per 100g serving.

Thinking outside the box when it comes to pasta will help you make nutritious meals. Although many of us default to white pasta, there are many varieties available, including chickpea, black bean, whole wheat, quinoa, and more. To add an extra health boost to spaghetti night, try blending extra vegetables into the sauce or topping your pasta with beans and greens. Instead of serving garlic bread on the side, opt for a side salad for extra fiber.

Rice

Rice is another affordable source of carbohydrates, the body’s main fuel source. Brown rice especially provides many key nutrients, including fiber, manganese, selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins. Rice is a staple in many different cuisines and can be used in a variety of dishes, including Spanish rice and beans, risotto, pilaf, fried rice, and paella. Plus, rice is a great base for build-your-own bowls.

Oats

Oatmeal is the ultimate customizable breakfast and a great addition to any large family grocery list. You can make oatmeal with milk or water for lactose-intolerant family members. Each person can top their portion with their favorite add-ons, such as cinnamon sugar, fruit, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. You can even make a delicious savory oatmeal with ingredients like eggs, greens, and mushrooms. No matter how you prepare them, oats have roughly 10 grams of protein per 300-calorie serving, making them a nutritious way to start the day.

Bananas

Bananas are one of the best affordable snack foods for large families. Although grocery prices vary by region, bananas usually cost under a dollar a pound. Since they have a peel, they’re easy to throw in a bag and take to sports practice. Adding a few spoonfuls of peanut butter can turn a banana into a complete snack with protein, fiber, and vitamins like potassium and B6. Bananas can also be turned into protein pancake batter by mashing them with eggs and flour.

Spices

The right spices can completely change the way foods taste, helping prevent food fatigue. For example, adding cajun seasoning to basic rice and beans can elevate them into a flavorful meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new spices to expand your family’s palate. Ethnic grocery stores often have cheap bulk spices, allowing you to sample a variety of new flavors at an affordable price.

Cheese

There is no shortage of options when it comes to cheese. Sliced, shredded, or block; mild, stinky, or sweet. Cheese can be a filling snack or a satisfying addition to any meal, including salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, lasagna, and more.
Cheese is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and calcium. Whether you have little kids with growing bones or adults and seniors starting to worry about brittle bones, the calcium in cheese can be a positive addition to your family’s diet.

Nut and Seed Butter

Everybody loves nut butter, which is a great source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. If someone in your family is allergic to peanut butter, they may be able to eat a different variety, such as cashew, almond, or sunflower butter. Nut butter can be spread on toast or fruit for an easy breakfast or snack. It’s also a great addition to many entrees like peanut noodles, satay chicken skewers, and peanut stew. Plus, nut butter can be added to yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies for an extra protein boost.

Canned Tomatoes

Canned goods are processed to preserve freshness and can be a great option in the winter when fresh, local produce isn’t readily available. Looking for low-sodium options can help reduce your family’s salt intake, preventing issues like high blood pressure down the line.

Canned tomatoes are one of my favorite pantry staples for a large family grocery list due to the variety available. You can find them stewed, diced, crushed, fire-roasted, and even turned into salsa. This makes canned tomatoes perfect for a wide range of culinary applications, including soup, chili, enchiladas, casserole, stew, and more.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a classic movie snack, but did you know it can actually be healthy depending on how you prepare it? Popcorn is a whole grain that’s low in calories and high in fiber. However, you have to be careful when buying packaged or pre-popped popcorn, because they often contain extra oils, colors, and flavorings.

Fortunately, it’s easy to pop your own at home in an air popper or pan on the stove, allowing you to control what goes in it. You only need a few dashes of salt or seasoning and a little oil spray or butter to make your popcorn delicious.

Flour

Flour is always on my large family grocery list because it can last up to 8 months and only costs about a dollar per pound. It’s a baking staple that comes in handy when making bread and desserts like cookies and cakes. Even if you aren’t much of a baker, flour can be used to make pancakes, thicken sauces and soups, or make drop dumplings for stew.

What are your favorite items to add to a large family grocery list? Share your staples in the comments!

How to Plan an Epic Party: 10 Cheap Birthday Party Ideas You’ll Love

February 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment

One in five parents spend more than $500 on their child’s birthday party every year. Considering how expensive hosting an event has gotten, cheap birthday party ideas can be hard to come by. To help you stick to your budget without sacrificing fun, we’ve come up with this list of affordable celebration options. From camping in the backyard to decorating baked goods with friends, here are 10 ways to make your kiddo feel special without breaking the bank.

Top 10 Cheap Birthday Party Ideas

1. Movie Night

A movie night is one of the top cheap birthday party ideas. Thanks to streaming services, tons of movies are available right on your TV. If you want to create an extra special experience, buy a cheap projector and set up your viewing outside. You can simply use a bedsheet as a makeshift flatscreen to keep things budget-friendly.

An advantage of being outside is not having to worry about providing enough seating for everyone. Just bring some blankets and lay out on the lawn! Don’t forget to grab some bags of popcorn, chips, and candy on sale, or ask guests to bring their favorite snack or drink to share instead of gifts.

2. Brunch Party

An at-home brunch buffet will be a hit with both kids and adults! If you have a waffle maker, you can set up a made-to-order waffle station with a variety of toppings. With parental assistance, your child’s guests could also toast their own bagels or English muffins. Breakfast foods like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and sausage are easy to keep warm using disposable chafing dishes and sterno cans.

Alternatively, you could stick to continental breakfast favorites like yogurt and pastries. For entertainment, garden party games such as croquet, bocce ball, and cornhole pair well with a brunch theme.

3. At-Home Spa Day

Everyone likes to be pampered on their special day, so consider hosting an at-home spa party for your birthday girl. It’s easy to set up a DIY facial bar using common ingredients like oats, honey, yogurt, and avocado. Alternatively, you could purchase a few sheet facial masks from the drugstore. While you’re there, grab some nail polish for mani-pedis and a few hair accessories for a French braiding station. A DIY bath bomb-making kit could also be a fun addition.

To feed your child and their friends on a budget, make finger foods like cucumber sandwiches, mini quiches, or muffins, and cut veggies with dip. Don’t forget to whip up some fruit-flavored spa water to keep everyone hydrated, which is the secret to glowing skin.

4. Free Museum Day

Virtually all museums have free admission days that allow the public to enjoy the exhibits at no cost. While these events might not fall exactly on your birthday, they can still be a fun and affordable way to celebrate with a small group. Some libraries also offer free day passes to local museums, but keep in mind that the number available is usually limited.

Whether you love art, science, or seeing animals at the zoo, we know you’ll have a great time celebrating your birthday at one of your local institutions!

5. Camping

Camping is another cheap birthday party idea that’s always a hit with kids. Consider setting up a tent in the backyard to give guests a taste of the outdoors without losing access to amenities like indoor plumbing. If local regulations allow, starting a bonfire can enhance the camping experience, enabling you to roast marshmallows and tell stories around the fire. Stargazing using an app like SkyView Lite is another fun party activity that children of all ages will enjoy.

If your guests are prepared to rough it, hosting the event at a campground could be a fun adventure. You’ll be able to fully embrace the outdoors by preparing a meal over the fire and hiking local trails.

Does your child have a winter birthday? If space allows, you could set up a fort in the living room to create an indoor glamping experience. Instead of roasting marshmallows, make smores in the microwave and tell spooky stories while passing around a flashlight.

6. Backyard Sprinkler Party

Can’t afford to take your child and their friends to the water park? Set up one at home instead! Even if you don’t have a pool or slip-and-slide, you can run the sprinklers or turn on the hose to cool everyone off. Water soakers and balloons are also fun additions to a backyard sprinkler party. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

7. Scavenger Hunt

If cheap birthday party ideas are still outside of your budget, consider setting up a free scavenger hunt. You can use items from around the house (such as stuffed animals, toy figurines, and other small objects) to create a fun scavenger hunt for guests.

The venue can be your home, neighborhood, local park, or even the beach. No matter where you set up the event, creating interesting clues is key. If your child is older, they may enjoy geocaching, which involves using coordinates off of their phone to find the objects. Younger kids would love a treasure map or hand-written riddles and clues.

8. Picnic at a Local Park

If camping isn’t your style but your family still enjoys being outdoors, consider hosting a picnic at a local park. Most parks have designated event spaces with picnic tables, grills, and pavilions, making it easy to entertain a group of any size. However, you may need a permit or reservation to take advantage of these amenities.

To feed everyone affordably, bring along a cooler filled with sandwiches or hot dogs and burgers to cook on the grill. You won’t need to spend much on entertainment either thanks to the playground equipment. But it can’t hurt to bring some outdoor toys like bubbles, hula hoops, and frisbees. Keep the decorations simple to stay on budget—a pinata, some streamers, and a weighted balloon bouquet are enough to set the mood.

9. Indoor or Outdoor Game Night

Looking for cheap birthday party ideas that work in both winter and summer? An at-home game night is a great option. When the weather is cold, kids can enjoy their favorite video and board games inside the house. You can also play classic party games like musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, limbo, and Simon Says.

During the summer, activities like badminton, capture the flag, freeze tag, and soccer can help kids burn off steam. You can also set up fun relay races, such as an egg toss or sack race.

10. Baking Party

Kids of all ages love sweet treats, making a baking party a fun idea for an event. Depending on the age and skill level of your guests, you could get them involved in the baking process or simply allow them to help decorate. Cookies, cupcakes, and brownies are all good menu options. Allow guests to customize their goodies with sprinkles, colored icing, candy, edible glitter, and fondant.

What are your favorite cheap birthday party ideas? Let us know in the comments!

9 Surprisingly Simple DIY Crafts to Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours

February 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Finding affordable DIY kids’ crafts that will actually keep your kids entertained can be a challenge. If you want to encourage your kids to put down their devices and get creative, check out our list of 9 simple art projects below. These DIY kids’ crafts don’t require tons of materials or an art degree to pull off. And even though they’re shockingly simple, they have a big payoff, giving your kids hours of amusement or a new toy to enjoy.

Easy DIY Kids Crafts

1. Homemade Playdough

Do you know that you can make homemade playdough out of common pantry staples? This easy recipe uses flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and vegetable oil to form a basic dough. Then you can mix in a few drops of food coloring to create vibrant colors.

if you store it in an airtight container, it will stay soft and pliable for up to three months. Although your kids can simply shape the dough with their hands, they may enjoy using a set of mini cookie cutters to take their creations to the next level.

2. Sock Puppet

Making a sock puppet is still one of the most popular DIY kids’ crafts because it’s cheap, easy, and fun. All you need are a couple of pairs of clean socks, scissors, hot glue, and a multicolor pack of felt. Googly eyes and yarn are also welcome additions if you have them!

But even with basic supplies, you can create some super cute creatures, like a dragon with scales or a dog with floppy felt ears. If you have a cardboard box lying around, you can use it to create a puppet theater so your kids can put on a show.

3. Tissue Paper Pom Poms

One of the best DIY kids’ crafts for little girls is these tissue paper pom poms. Your daughter will have a blast pretending to be a cheerleader with her very own set of colorful pom poms. All you need to make them is a pair of scissors, some tape, and colorful tissue paper.

Simply help your child fold a few pieces of tissue paper in half. Then cut the sheets into thin strips, being careful to stop a few centimeters from the fold. Divide each sheet in two by cutting along the fold, and roll up all your sheets into one conical pom pom, securing the bottom with tape. This is a great way to use up leftover tissue paper from the holidays instead of throwing it in the trash.

4. Windsock

Get your kids involved in decorating the porch by making windsocks together. This project is simple—all you have to do is form a piece of construction paper into a cylinder and tape it together. Then attach some strips of tissue or crepe paper to the bottom, which will blow in the breeze.

To hang it, you can fashion a hook out of a piece of string. Your kids can embellish the construction paper using markers, stickers, or glitter to further customize their windsock.

5. Junk Journal

Junk Journals are eco-friendly DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

One of the best DIY kids crafts for children and adults alike is junk journaling. This activity involves making collages out of recycled or found materials instead of using expensive scrapbooking paper.

First, you’ll need to start saving random scraps of paper, such as receipts, food packaging, junk mail, ticket stubs, or even your child’s homework. You can also collect and dry natural materials from outside like leaves and flowers. Craft odds and ends such as ribbons and buttons can also be fun additions to a junk journal.

Then all you have to do is help your kids arrange and paste the items you’ve collected on blank journal pages. You can also add hand-drawn text and illustrations to enhance your recycled collages.

6. Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon

Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons are interactive DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

There are few crafts as easy as paper mache. What’s best is you don’t need any wacky supplies, just watered-down glue, strips of newspaper, and something to use as a form. Martha Stewert did a fun DIY for a paper mache hot air balloon. While her instructions are for a purely decorative balloon, there are also plans available for a functional, flying hot air balloon using a small tealight.

7. Newspaper Origami

Origami is a very fun DIY craft for kids, but some younger children who are still developing motor skills may have trouble folding very small pages. This is why we recommend using bigger sheets of newspaper for origami. Plus, you probably have some old newspaper lying around, making this activity budget-friendly. There are many tutorials online to teach you how to make a variety of projects, including newspaper cranes, hats, functional garbage bins, and more.

8. Cardboard Boomerang

Cardboard Boomerangs are educational DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

Boomerangs provide endless fun and a great excuse to get outside. While there are plenty of options for sale, did you know you and your kids can make boomerangs at home? Whether you use paper, cardboard, foam, or wood, there are plenty of options and designs available for free on WikiHow. This craft is also educational, offering you an opportunity to teach your kids about aerodynamics and how a plane’s wings work.

9. Sidewalk Paint

Sidewalk Paint is one of the best DIY kids crafts — Image Source: Pexels

If you’re looking for DIY kids’ crafts that don’t require lots of supplies, check out this sidewalk paint recipe. It uses just two common household ingredients: cornstarch and food coloring. You’ll also need some water to thin the cornstarch slurry into a spreadable paint. We appreciate that this paint recipe is nontoxic and provides hours of outdoor fun for kids of all ages!

What are your favorite DIY kids’ crafts? Share your ideas in the comments!

10 Adorable Ideas for Throwing a Baby Shower on a Budget

February 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Hosting an in-person baby shower can be shockingly expensive. For a guest list of 50 people, the average cost ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Luckily there are ways to cut down on certain expenses like food, venue rental fees, and decorations. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you throw a baby shower on a budget based on my personal experience.

How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

A few months ago I helped organize a baby shower for my older sister. Here’s everything I learned about how to throw a baby shower on a budget.

1. Choose an Affordable Venue

If you’re trying to throw a baby shower on a budget, it’s important to control your venue rental costs. Event spaces can cost a thousand dollars even for relatively short timeframes. We ended up throwing my sister’s shower at a restaurant, but if we could do it over again, we’d probably host it at one of our houses. Buying some extra tables and chairs would’ve been cheaper than renting out a venue.

But if your guest list is too long for an at-home shower, consider affordable alternatives like hosting it at a park or local community center. Churches and organizations like the Elks Lodge and YMCA often have affordable event spaces. Conference rooms at hotels and community centers at apartments can also be reasonably priced.

2. Pick a Low-Key Theme

One of the keys to throwing a baby shower on a budget is choosing a low-key theme. My sister’s baby shower was right before Christmas, so we went with a blue and white color scheme and used puns like “Santa Baby” to personalize the event. Picking something fun yet easy to pull off will help you stick to your budget. I’m partial to this bee theme, which allows you to play with adorable puns like “Who will this baby bee?”

3. DIY Decorations

Making your own decorations (or recruiting friends and family to help) is one of the best ways to save money on your baby shower. Paying several hundred dollars for balloon arch and floral arrangements is out of the question when you’re on a tight budget.

But luckily you can accomplish a similar look for less by putting together this DIY balloon arch kit and making your own paper flowers. These faux bouquets can be given to guests as gifts or saved as decor for the baby’s nursery, making them even more special than regular flowers.

Another affordable decoration we used at my sister’s shower was a set of paper blocks that spelled out “baby.” It was easy to put together but made a big visual impact in the space because it was so tall. Wooden signs and banners can also help you jazz up any venue without spending a fortune. There are even all-in-one baby shower kits with everything you need to transform your party space, from garland to balloons to crepe pom poms.

4. Make Your Own Food

Making your own food is a great way to save on your baby shower and allows you to guarantee the quality. We’ve all heard horror stories about bad food or caterers bailing last minute. But what if you still want the elegant presentation you associate with catering? Keeping food hot can be the biggest challenge.

We recommend chafing dishes, but a set of four can cost over $100. If that is over budget, fear not, we found this great disposable set that comes with everything you need. From sterno heat cans to serving ware and covers, getting your food to your guests will be a breeze.

Another important piece that caterers often supply is the plates and cutlery for your guests. Fortunately, there are some really high-quality disposable options that won’t break the bank. This navy blue set comes with 50 settings of cutlery and two plates and is also available in white or pink.

Finally, we recommend a quality napkin. While you might not want to deal with the hassle or cost of keeping enough cloth napkins, finesse napkins can be a fantastic alternative. Finesse napkins are made of aerated paper that feels just like cloth without the cost. This set of 200 is only $0.15 per piece.

5. Play Simple Party Games

A lot of baby shower games can be played without having to buy anything, such as “Don’t Say Baby.” But if you don’t want to go the DIY route we recommend looking at some inexpensive sets. From baby-themed scratch-off cards to trivia and word searches, there are many inexpensive yet entertaining activity packs available.

6. Create a Signature Mocktail

My sister’s baby shower had a cash bar for guests, but we didn’t want to leave our special guests out. So we created a mocktail for our mom-to-be so she could celebrate with refreshments.

We kept things simple by mixing cranberry blood orange juice with sparkling water. But you could also buy a mocktail mixer like this lemon & basil lavender blend, or go with a canned non-alcoholic beverage. Serve it in baby-themed cups to add a special touch.

7. Set Up a Crafting Station

The crafting station that we set up at my sister’s baby shower was a big hit, especially with the kids in attendance. Guests were able to decorate wooden baby blocks and either take them home or leave them for the baby’s nursery. But you can also find affordable bib and onesie decorating kits to help guests unleash their creativity!

8. Budget-Friendly Invitations

Between design and printing, custom invitations can cost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, there are some really nice DIY kits available on Amazon, such as this floral invitation set. These kits have spaces to write in the location, date, and time of your shower, and even come with envelopes. If you don’t like flowers, you can find other designs that match your color scheme and theme better.

Another option is using services like Paperless Post or Evites to send digital invitations. They’re light on your wallet and the planet, making them a win-win.

9. Choose Affordable Party Favors

It’s always nice to give out a party favor that guests can remember the event by. We decided to hand out scratch-off lottery tickets in these fun holders that say “Baby is so lucky to have you.” But you can also find other affordable options like these baby-themed votive candles. The idea is that guests will light the candle on the day the baby is born and make a special wish for the child while blowing it out.

10. Consider a Virtual Shower

Unfortunately, many of our family members live across the country and couldn’t make it to my sister’s shower. To ensure they were included, we held a virtual baby shower as well as an in-person event. However, a virtual shower is a great alternative if you’re on a strict budget and can’t afford all the party trimmings.
These baby shower invitations are designed for virtual events. You can customize them with your address so guests know where to send presents and include the link to your Zoom meeting space. You can still play games and open gifts at your virtual shower, allowing distant family and friends to come together and celebrate the arrival of your little one.

10 Times Kids’ Stupid Mistakes Wrecked Their Parents’ Finances

February 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Kids mistakes that wreck family finances — Image Source: Pexels

Some types of kids’ mistakes are easy to laugh off, such as the DIY haircuts children give each other when they discover the kitchen shears. However, other mishaps and accidents can have real financial consequences for families. For example, parents may be saddled with serious costs if their kids cause property damage at a neighbor’s house or make unauthorized, nonrefundable purchases. To help make you aware of potential financial risks, here are 10 common kids’ mistakes that could cost you serious money.

10 Kids’ Mistakes That Cost Their Parents Serious Money

1. Game Microtransactions

Gaming microtransactions — Image Source: Pexels

One of the most common and costly kids’ mistakes is game microtransactions. Over the years, there have been many reports of children buying thousands of dollars of in-game content. For example, a six-year-old in Connecticut racked up a $16,000 bill in a mobile game called Sonic Forces: Speed Battle. His mom initially noticed the problem after $2,500 was charged to her credit card.

However, when she contacted her credit card company, she was told that the charges were probably fraud-related. Because she believed she was being scammed, she didn’t question her son about the charges, which continued to mount.

By the time everyone realized what was happening, her son had run up a $16,000 bill. Unfortunately, the 60-day refund window had passed, leaving her responsible for the microtransactions. Yikes!

To prevent this from happening to you, remember to enable parental controls that block in-app purchases and remove your credit card information from your devices.

2. Property Damage

Kids’ mistakes can also cause extensive property damage. Football star Tyreek Hill’s South Florida home, which he purchased for $6.9 million, was damaged in an accidental fire. Reportedly, a child playing with a lighter in one of the bedrooms started the blaze, which primarily engulfed the attic. Luckily the family made it out safely and no one was injured.

Although insurance covers property damage, homes hold many sentimental memories and belongings that often can’t be replaced. So it’s tragic when children’s unintentional mishaps cause fires.

3. A $4,000 Amazon Order

Amazon orders can be kids mistakes — Image Source: Pexels

Nowadays kids are so tech-savvy that a 5-year-old figured out how to place a massive Amazon order, costing her parents thousands. According to Today.com, Lila asked her mom for her phone one night to play some games. But instead, Lila actually logged into Amazon and went on a huge shopping spree.

She bought nearly $4,000 of merchandise using a saved credit card, including multiple dirt bikes and pairs of women’s cowboy boots. Her mom canceled the orders that hadn’t shipped yet, but several huge boxes still showed up at their door a few days later.

Fortunately, this was one of the kids’ mistakes that was reversible. All of the Amazon sellers agreed to take back the merchandise and issue refunds. Some parents aren’t so lucky and end up saddled with unreturnable products.

When Lila’s parents asked why she pulled this stunt, she simply said “I wanted it and I got it.” Hopefully, this sassy little shopper has learned her lesson and won’t put her parents in financial jeopardy again!

4. Roughhousing

Another common kid mistake is roughhousing. Children can get carried away while playing and forget their own strength, which sometimes results in injuries. If you leave your child unsupervised and cause harm to a peer, you could be responsible for the injured party’s medical bills. However, there are usually caps on how much money parents can be held liable for.

5. Unauthorized Donations

Tweens and teens have also made costly kids mistakes that messed up their family’s finances. According to Screen Rant, one teenager donated nearly $20,000 of his family’s savings to popular Twitch streamers. Luckily the parents were able to contact Twitch’s payment processor and get the vast majority of the money refunded.

However, the situation was a big logistical headache. It was hard to get in touch with anyone who could help, and some of the funds couldn’t be recovered, causing financial losses. Although this teen definitely should’ve known better, younger children also use Twitch, so parents argue that the platform needs better fraud detection methods.

6. Memecoins

Memecoin kids financial mistakes — Image Source: Pexels

Another financial kids’ mistake parents should be aware of is selling memecoins. These are cryptocurrencies that are created for fun or as a joke. One teen made his own memecoin and bought a large percentage of the shares.

Unexpectedly, the coin surged in value, prompting the teen to cash out and earn tens of thousands of dollars in an evening. However, many other investors lost money on the coin because the teen sold his entire supply at once, causing the value to plummet. Although this incident didn’t cost his parents any money, they received angry messages on social media from disgruntled investors.

Kids can easily be convinced to create or buy memecoins and end up on the losing end of the transaction. So make sure to closely monitor your child’s online activity so they don’t get taken in by crypto schemes.

7. Accidental Cable Purchase

Did you ever buy a pay-per-view movie without your parent’s permission? Even today, kids are still making unauthorized cable purchases, including a 2-year-old who accidentally bought an NBA League Pass.

While playing with the remote, she clicked just the right combination of buttons to purchase a pricey $200 cable add-on. Sadly, her dad wasn’t able to get the charge reversed, leaving him on the hook for a hefty unexpected expense. To prevent future mishaps, he added password purchase protection to his TV.

8. Online Auction Gone Awry

Online auctions kids bidding — Image Source: Pexels

Kids can also get into trouble with online auctions. A 14-month-old little girl gained access to her father’s eBay account on his phone. She placed a bid on a vintage car and ended up winning the auction for $225. Her dad’s first reaction was to panic and ask the seller to cancel the transaction.

Although the seller was willing to release him from the deal, he ended up deciding to keep the vehicle. He started working on it as a project car and hopes to give it to his daughter when she’s old enough to drive. While this purchase didn’t necessarily wreck her family’s finances, the car repairs will likely cost them thousands, making it an expensive kids’ mistake.

9. Damage to Neighbor’s Property

Another common kid mistake that puts strain on the family’s finances is vandalism. Some children act out their frustration on others’ property, resulting in hefty bills for their parents. One Reddit user’s glass greenhouse was broken by an unruly neighborhood child, resulting in nearly $3,000 in damages.

10. Huge DoorDash Orders

Kids mistakes DoorDash — Image Source: Pexels

The final kid mistake we want to highlight is placing an accidental food order. A Texas mother left her phone unlocked, allowing her 2-year-old son to gain access to her DoorDash account. Somehow he clicked the right combination of buttons to order 31 cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. He also left a generous 25% tip for the driver, which brought the total to a whopping $91.70.

His mom said the incident was funny because no one in the family likes cheeseburgers. She made a post on a local Facebook page to explain the saga and offer up the burgers for free. Her story ended up going viral and was even covered by CNN.

Have your children ever made any mistakes that had negative financial consequences? Share your stories in the comments.

5 Common Parenting Tips That Did More Harm Than Good

February 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment

When you have a child, everyone tries to give you parenting tips, including your own parents. But some parenting tips can do more harm than good, even if past generations swear by them. From the “one bite” rule to the “cry it out” method, here are 5 pieces of conventional parenting wisdom you should probably ignore and avoid.

5 Parenting Tips With Potentially Negative Consequences

1. Clean Plate Club

You can’t leave the table until you finish your food. — Image Source: Pexels

Sometimes kids refuse to eat what you’ve prepared or say they’re done after a few bites. This situation can be hard to navigate because you want to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition. Some conventional wisdom suggests that you should make your child sit at the table until they’ve cleaned their plate. Other parents withhold dessert until their child finishes the main meal. But both of these strategies can have negative consequences on their eating habits, especially if they’re refusing to eat because they’re already full.

Kids have natural hunger and fullness cues that they’re intuitively in touch with. Their appetite levels can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including their current rate of growth and the things they did and ate throughout the day. This can be confusing for parents because children may not want the same amount of food for dinner tonight as they did yesterday. But trying to get your child to eat past the point of fullness isn’t the answer. If you put too much on their plate, the best solution is to put it in the fridge and save it for later or tomorrow.

2. The “One Bite” Rule

You must try at least one bite of new foods. — Image Source: Pexels

One of the most common food-related parenting tips is the “one bite” rule. Parents have been advised to make their kids eat at least one forkful of new foods. However, experts say that forcing kids to eat foods they don’t like can create negative associations with that ingredient or even cause gagging.

If your child refusing to eat what you’ve made is a consistent problem, try getting them involved in meal planning and preparation to give them a sense of agency. They may be more comfortable trying recipes they helped choose and cook.

3. Kids Should Be Seen and Not Heard

One of the most common parenting tips we’ve all heard is that children should be seen and not heard. But encouraging your child to be quiet, meek, and obedient above all else can stifle their communication skills. Kids need to engage in conversations and ask questions to support healthy intellectual growth. It’s important to teach them to be respectful and avoid interrupting others. However, parents shouldn’t discourage them from sharing their opinions or expressing themselves in age-appropriate ways.

4. The “Cry It Out” Method

Babies should cry it out. — Image Source: Pexels

Because bedtime is challenging for many kids, there are lots of parenting tips related to sleeping. One of them is the “cry it out” sleep training method. Some believe that babies need to cry themselves to sleep to learn how to self-soothe. However, Psychology Today reports that this is one of the parenting tips you should avoid because it causes excessive stress.

Babies who are left to cry it out become dysregulated, causing their bodies to release stress hormones. This could potentially have negative consequences on their brain development and ability to regulate their emotions in the future. Meeting your child’s needs when they cry helps strengthen your relationship and build trust between you. Although some parents worry this could create dependence, it actually creates a strong emotional foundation that enables them to be more confident and independent in the future.

5. All Praise Is Good

Always praise your kids. — Image Source: Pexels

Experts say that too much praise, especially if you’re giving the wrong type of compliments, can actually harm your child’s development. Studies have shown that kids who receive too much praise are more cautious and afraid to make mistakes. Praising your child for their results or intelligence instead of their effort can also make them afraid to fail. Telling them that they’re naturally talented can make them feel like there’s a set standard they have to live up to. Praising them for their hard work instead can encourage them to keep being persistent in pursuit of their goals.

Which parenting tips do you think do more harm than good? Let us know in the comments!

Is Homeschooling Cheaper Than Public School? 10 Surprising Costs to Consider

February 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment

If you have children attending a public school, you know it’s not truly free. From activity fees for sports to lunch money, it costs the average American family $750 or more to send a child to public school each year.

With these high costs, you may be wondering, is homeschooling cheaper than public school? We’ll break down the costs and give you the information you need to make an educated decision about your child’s education.

1. Property Taxes

Instead of being funded through tuition like private schools, public schools rely on taxes to operate. You may be surprised to learn that a percentage of your property tax goes to your local public school. Even if you don’t have kids, are homeschooling, or are empty nesters, you are still paying school tax if you own your home. This is one cost you just can’t get away from.

2. State & Federal Taxes

Is homeschooling cheaper than public school when it comes to tax deductions? You may be surprised by the answer. On the federal level, some education-related expenses like activity fees fall under qualified education expenses and are deductible only if your child attends public school. Keep in mind that QEEs do not include necessities like supplies, transportation to and from school, or medical expenses. So make sure to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and only deduct eligible costs.

It is important for homeschoolers to note that the IRS does not allow any federal tax deductions for homeschooling. A few states like Minnesota and Illinois do allow textbooks and educational materials to be deducted for both public school students and homeschoolers.

3. Food

Food is a cost that’s roughly the same whether you decide to homeschool your kids or send them to the local public school. Although school cafeterias don’t aim to make a profit, they still have to cover overheads like food and salary costs. Even though cafeterias get bulk discounts from food suppliers, it could be cheaper for your child to bring a packed lunch to school if you’re a savvy grocery shopper. It’s important to pay attention to food costs and take steps to reduce them whether you’re homeschooling or sending your child to public school.

4. Transportation

Transportation is a huge cost for many families. Unless you live within walking distance of your child’s public school, you’ll have to buy extra gas to get your kids to and from class every day. Factors that can influence transportation costs include the fuel efficiency of your car, the distance driven, and the price of gas in your area. Even if your child takes the bus, many districts charge an added fee for that convenience. So transportation is one area where homeschooling can definitely be cheaper than public school because you don’t have to leave the house.

5. Educational Materials

Is homeschooling cheaper than public school when it comes to educational materials? Probably not. Public schools typically don’t charge fees for basic educational materials like textbooks. However, children often need to pay for and bring their own supplies to school, such as glue and colored pencils.

On the other hand, homeschooling parents have to purchase a curriculum and textbooks entirely out-of-pocket. And they still have to bear the costs of essential school supplies like scissors and copypaper. While the cost of workbooks and other educational materials may be tax-deductible in your state, this is still a significant cost you’ll have to shell out.

You can expect to pay several hundred dollars each year for all of the textbooks you’ll need. However, you may be able to find used materials in homeschooling groups to save money. There are also free resources for teachers online that can help you design your curriculum.

6. Activity Fees

When it comes to extracurriculars, is homeschooling cheaper than public school? Both options are on par in terms of cost. Homeschooled children have the right to participate in any activity the school district offers. If your child is involved in school-sponsored sports or any clubs, they will likely need to pay an activity fee to cover the cost of any equipment.

Likewise, some public schools charge full-time students activity fees for classes or extracurriculars that aren’t required to graduate. You’ll also have to pay out-of-pocket if your student chooses to do extracurriculars outside of school, such as taekwondo or ballet. However, if you’re able to offer your child enrichment at home, you may be able to save money by homeschooling.

7. Tutors and Private Teachers

Both homeschooling and public school parents sometimes hire tutors for their children. If you homeschool, you may need support from a tutor for certain complex subjects, such as math or science. Public school students may also require extra instruction from a tutor, especially if they’re falling behind due to lack of individualized attention.

Tutoring costs an average of $20 to $80 an hour. A shared private teacher that you split the cost of with other families costs significantly more—expect to spend anywhere from $1,300 to $4,000 per month. However, tutoring isn’t a necessity, so you can try to do without it whether you homeschool or send your kids to public school.

8. Field trips

Every student loves field trips, but when you’re homeschooling, the entirety of the cost will fall on you. From museum and zoo passes to camps, be prepared to spend at least a couple hundred dollars each year planning learning excursions. Your local library may have passes available for local museums, which can help lessen the cost of these family outings.

You can also pay for a museum membership to reduce the price per visit, or use discount sites like Groupon to save money. Many museums offer free days a few times per year or even reduce the cost of tickets for locals.

But if you’re wondering, is homeschooling cheaper than public school, this is one area that usually costs more. Public school parents say that most field trips cost them less than $20, likely due to the educational or bulk discounts that schools can get on tickets.

9. Child Care

One area where homeschooling is potentially cheaper is childcare costs. If you don’t get out of work in time to pick your children up from school in the afternoon, you may end up paying a lot for aftercare. On average, aftercare costs between $140 and $500 per month.

If some of your children are too young for public school, you’ll likely pay even more for childcare. The price of full-time daycare can be as high as $1,500 per month, which is a cost that can be completely eliminated if you decide to homeschool from a young age.

10. Your Income

Is homeschooling cheaper than public school? To make that determination, you also have to consider any loss of income from homeschooling. If you can’t find a side hustle or part-time job that fits around your schedule, homeschooling can have a high opportunity cost.

Losing one parent’s income completely could potentially set you behind on retirement and other important financial goals. It’s important to determine if living on one salary is realistic for your family. Sending your kids to public school so you can work could be better for everyone’s future, giving you extra disposable income for investing, enriching vacations, and extracurriculars.

Wrapping Up: Is Homeschooling Cheaper Than Public School?

Trustedcare.com says that the cost of one year of homeschooling ranges from $700 to $2800. Public school, on the other hand, only costs $100 to $1000 for extracurriculars. At the end of the day, is homeschooling cheaper than public school?

Usually, public school is cheaper. However, in certain cases, parents could save money on aftercare and transportation costs by homeschooling. Even if there’s an added cost associated with homeschooling, there are many fantastic reasons to teach your kids instead of sending them to public school. Kids form a special bond with their parents when they homeschool. They also get more individualized attention and a custom curriculum tailored to their interests, which can help support their academic success in college and beyond. It’s crucial to assess your specific situation to decide which option will be better for your family.