How many kids do you have and how much do you spend per month on their activities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

NP here: Please don't choke on your judgmental views. We are worried for you. You do realize that a kid can do activities AND ride bikes, take hikes, go to the playground, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

It doesn't sound crazy, it sounds insane.

You spend almost $10,000 on kids activities a year!!

Do they even know how to just go outside and play with friends??

5 figures to entertain your child. I can't even digest that. I bet the same parents spend a fortune on daycare and summer camps too.

It is not necessarily "entertaining" kids. It is teaching them good sports/music/skills. We have swimming (preparing for swim team) as one sport $75/month, piano music $120/month, chess $120/month. Older kid is asking for tennis lessons, which will also cost money. And I will spend that to get him necessary skills. None of these skills can be taught with playing outside with other kids. If we wanted just be able to float in the water, that is one thing, if we want our child to be able to be actually a good strong swimmer (not a sport career), that is a different type of training and thus spending. Same with chess - you can play home with dad, and that would be it. Or you can do competitive chess, tournaments and grow in your skills, it would require money and different set up.
And yes we do play with other kids, we do playdates, we go skate with the dad, we do ski with parents, we goof around in the backyard which costs nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

It doesn't sound crazy, it sounds insane.

You spend almost $10,000 on kids activities a year!!

Do they even know how to just go outside and play with friends??

5 figures to entertain your child. I can't even digest that. I bet the same parents spend a fortune on daycare and summer camps too.

I do spend a fortune on daycare. About $44,000 a year for 2 kids. I bet most people here spend the same, if not more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

good grief.
So you don't believe in piano lessons? Getting skilled at a sport?
How many hours of nerf wars does one kid need a week?

My kids each play a travel sport and take a musical instrument lesson weekly and we spend about $8K/year on these things combined per year. AND the also have about 20 hours of free play per week. Pick-up basketball, bike rides through the alley, Nerf wars, trampoline jumping, video game playing, baking, lemonade stand hosting. They do all these things too--most of them several times per week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

good grief.
So you don't believe in piano lessons? Getting skilled at a sport?
How many hours of nerf wars does one kid need a week?

My kids each play a travel sport and take a musical instrument lesson weekly and we spend about $8K/year on these things combined per year. AND the also have about 20 hours of free play per week. Pick-up basketball, bike rides through the alley, Nerf wars, trampoline jumping, video game playing, baking, lemonade stand hosting. They do all these things too--most of them several times per week.

I think the point is you don't have to sign kids up for every activity under the sun, just because your kid has energy, like a PP suggest. I too can not believe people spend this much money on activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

It doesn't sound crazy, it sounds insane.

You spend almost $10,000 on kids activities a year!!

Do they even know how to just go outside and play with friends??

5 figures to entertain your child. I can't even digest that. I bet the same parents spend a fortune on daycare and summer camps too.

I do spend a fortune on daycare. About $44,000 a year for 2 kids. I bet most people here spend the same, if not more.

I spend close to $50K on daycare, $8K on activities, and about $11K on summer camps. 3 kids.

[Anonymous]

2 kids, only one is old enough for activities. I spend $150 every 8 weeks on karate or soccer or art, whichever she chooses. I don't have time to take her to more. She's only 5, I just don't see the point and we can't do activities afterschool because we have two full time working parents and by the time everyone gets home, fed, and bathed it is already 7pm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

Why do you not think he already does this? He plays two travel sports, one of which is basketball, the other is lacrosse (midi). He skateboards and bikes to most of his practices. Last night was canceled and he played capture the flag with neighborhood kids thankyouverymuch. You clearly have no idea actually WHAT it means to be a active child. How do yiu think he actually doesn't already do what you mention? Except the hiking, now that is funny! Where do you think I'm going to drive my kid to hike. Cause yea, tbat would be a drive. I'm not posting from Shenandoah county.

50min activity! LOL, I wish, practice is 90 minuets. They get run and worked out so much at practice I often think it is too much.

Where is he going to go hiking exactly? That's pretty funny!

Our "drive " to practice is 7min...you must live in the sticks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

good grief.
So you don't believe in piano lessons? Getting skilled at a sport?
How many hours of nerf wars does one kid need a week?

My kids each play a travel sport and take a musical instrument lesson weekly and we spend about $8K/year on these things combined per year. AND the also have about 20 hours of free play per week. Pick-up basketball, bike rides through the alley, Nerf wars, trampoline jumping, video game playing, baking, lemonade stand hosting. They do all these things too--most of them several times per week.

I think the point is you don't have to sign kids up for every activity under the sun, just because your kid has energy, like a PP suggest. I too can not believe people spend this much money on activities.

Um, my kid wants to do those activities. Money is not a deciding factor. If it were my kids wouldn't be allowed to do travel hockey. That costs me approx 12k/yr for one child.

I think the PP struck a chord with you. Kids so activities because they want to and parents pay for it if they have the time and monry. We have both

[Anonymous]

3 kids.

piano- 300 a month
soccer- 90 per season per kid
basketball- winter- 2 kids
after school classes- 1 activity about 100 each kid that show interest in a class per semester.

summer various camps- about 1k per kid on various weeks spread out during the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

good grief.
So you don't believe in piano lessons? Getting skilled at a sport?
How many hours of nerf wars does one kid need a week?

My kids each play a travel sport and take a musical instrument lesson weekly and we spend about $8K/year on these things combined per year. AND the also have about 20 hours of free play per week. Pick-up basketball, bike rides through the alley, Nerf wars, trampoline jumping, video game playing, baking, lemonade stand hosting. They do all these things too--most of them several times per week.

I think the point is you don't have to sign kids up for every activity under the sun, just because your kid has energy, like a PP suggest. I too can not believe people spend this much money on activities.

Um, my kid wants to do those activities. Money is not a deciding factor. If it were my kids wouldn't be allowed to do travel hockey. That costs me approx 12k/yr for one child.

I think the PP struck a chord with you. Kids so activities because they want to and parents pay for it if they have the time and monry. We have both

So because a kid wants something and because you have the money, they just get it? Parenting 101

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

good grief.
So you don't believe in piano lessons? Getting skilled at a sport?
How many hours of nerf wars does one kid need a week?

My kids each play a travel sport and take a musical instrument lesson weekly and we spend about $8K/year on these things combined per year. AND the also have about 20 hours of free play per week. Pick-up basketball, bike rides through the alley, Nerf wars, trampoline jumping, video game playing, baking, lemonade stand hosting. They do all these things too--most of them several times per week.

I think the point is you don't have to sign kids up for every activity under the sun, just because your kid has energy, like a PP suggest. I too can not believe people spend this much money on activities.

Um, my kid wants to do those activities. Money is not a deciding factor. If it were my kids wouldn't be allowed to do travel hockey. That costs me approx 12k/yr for one child.

I think the PP struck a chord with you. Kids so activities because they want to and parents pay for it if they have the time and monry. We have both

So because a kid wants something and because you have the money, they just get it? Parenting 101

Who said this was anything about entitlement? No, if my child wants something and we can afford it, we don't just give it to him/her. However, if a child has asked to participate in an activity which fits into our schedule, commits to it and enjoys it, and we can easily get there and back, I have no problem with it. Parenting, 101 - right back atcha. I can't believe the parents who have kids in lots of activities aren't really posting judgemental posts and yet the other parents (whose kids aren't in activities) keep making jabs. What's the deal? Uneasy about your choices?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three and I just added it up and it comes to around $800 per month. The kids do tennis (3), soccer (2), and gymnastics (2), and horseback riding (1).

Does this sound crazy or is about what you spend?

2 kids. About the same. My boys would sign up for every activity under the sun if I allowed. My oldest has so much energy, he's literally bouncing out of his skin.

So why can't he go ride bikes with friends, Nerf wars, hike in the woods, go to the playground, learn how to skateboard, play basketball or tennis with friends at a local park. Capture the flag and other games. They would get a lot more exercise and street smarts than being driven by Mommy to a 50 minute organized activity where they may be active for 30min. They spend more time sitting in the car going to and from.

good grief.
So you don't believe in piano lessons? Getting skilled at a sport?
How many hours of nerf wars does one kid need a week?

My kids each play a travel sport and take a musical instrument lesson weekly and we spend about $8K/year on these things combined per year. AND the also have about 20 hours of free play per week. Pick-up basketball, bike rides through the alley, Nerf wars, trampoline jumping, video game playing, baking, lemonade stand hosting. They do all these things too--most of them several times per week.

I think the point is you don't have to sign kids up for every activity under the sun, just because your kid has energy, like a PP suggest. I too can not believe people spend this much money on activities.

Um, my kid wants to do those activities. Money is not a deciding factor. If it were my kids wouldn't be allowed to do travel hockey. That costs me approx 12k/yr for one child.

I think the PP struck a chord with you. Kids so activities because they want to and parents pay for it if they have the time and monry. We have both

So because a kid wants something and because you have the money, they just get it? Parenting 101

Anything that is healthy that they will commit to. You betcha!

Travel and rec Sports? Yup.
Music lessons? Yup.
Art Classes? Yup.
Coding classes? Yup.

Resources 101.

[Anonymous]

^^furthermore we have a fully funded Virginia 529, but if my son gets into Duke which is where he dreams of going, we will pay for that too. Carry on.