Kids don't "need" lessons and stuff.  Kids need present parents and good, strong family time...talking, playing together.  That is the crucial stuff. 

Missing out on some lessons and classes might actually be a good thing for our families and kids IMO.

joy2bamom Dec. 18, 2008 at 4:32 PM

With a bad economy almost all of us have had to tighten our belts finacially. While in past years I would just buy something I needed or wanted- now I first think "Do I need it or want it?" - then at least try to find a coupon. I wouldn't take my children out of school as a way to save money- jmo. I have spent less money on the holidays this year- but I don't think it is something anyone would notice (I used coupons & credit card points to help stretch my money).

litstargazer Dec. 18, 2008 at 5:13 PM

Well, let me answer the question by saying this:  The other day my 7yo asked me if we were poor because we had a talk about the fact that they would not be getting many presents at Christmas.  My answer to her was we have food on our table and a warm house, and that there are some kids that don't even have those things.  So my kids lessons are: what is truly important in life. 

Star76 Dec. 18, 2008 at 5:16 PM

We've always been strapped and frugal since before my son was born, so not really.

heydooney Dec. 18, 2008 at 7:33 PM

Yes it has touched them.  I can't pay them allowance as often as before.  Fewer snacks and goof off trips to the store.  For the first time, I introduced my 14 y.o. daughter to CLOTHES shopping at the Goodwill.  She was OK with it and found some things she liked; I couldn't get them all.  Instead of eating out (including McD's) a couple of times a week, now it's more like once every 2-3 weeks.  We changed our Y membership from family to just her so she can continue to work out for sports.   The list goes on.

mama_k228 Dec. 18, 2008 at 8:07 PM

I wouldn't take away any activites from my child, especially if they loved them. I would find other ways to make ends meet. Thankfully, this has never been something we have had to deal with.

jaimie175 Dec. 18, 2008 at 9:00 PM

My kids don't really have much in the way of "activities"as I have no way to get them to anything.  But they'll likely feel it when I have to take Alex out of public school after the school board cuts all the educational assisstants out of the budget and removes the resource class which is all that's provided for special needs children in our province.

L.A.F.outloud Dec. 18, 2008 at 9:39 PM

a great bk to read....

Living Simply with Children: A Voluntary Simplicity Guide for Moms, Dads, and Kids Who Want to Reclaim the Bliss of Childhood and the Joy of Parenting by Marie Sherlock

Lynette Dec. 18, 2008 at 9:39 PM

The only thing that has been affecting my toddler is my chaotic energy.  I am way more stressed out than usual.  It doesn't look like my job will be here a year or two from now and it is disheartening. 

We still have Logan enrolled in My Gym and we are putting him in a better daycare starting in January.  I figure that while I have my job why not splurge on him.  We can cut back on other things if need be (satellite, Internet) if I lose my job.   

logansmomma2007 Dec. 18, 2008 at 10:36 PM

My boys are only 3 and 14 months, so they really aren't involved in a lot of expensive activities at this stage of their lives.  We are in a very active playgroup that does outings 3-4 times a week (some of which cost money, but most are free)  I would sacrifice anything I could in order to maintain the level of normalicy in children's daily life.  I would start looking for money saving options though like changing WHERE I buy thier clothes and other such items.

However, we have been lucky enough to remain unaffected by the current economic situation.  I am a stay at home mom and my husband works in a business that is thriving in the current economy (they cater to people with poor credit) so for us things are the same as always and we are feeling very secure.

mum2gr8byz Dec. 18, 2008 at 10:54 PM