Comments on: Odd Ball Costs of Having Kids

By: Paula @ Afford Anything

Paula @ Afford Anything — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:58:20 +0000

My cousin’s two-year-old child just scribbled with marker all over her $1700 couch. Which, I suppose, is just another reason not to buy a $1700 couch.

By: Len Penzo

Len Penzo — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:27:25 +0000

You’re very welcome, J! It was my pleasure. I remember the first time I got it in the eye ; boys are “special” that way. ha ha

@Glen: Oh yes, crayon-marked walls is another “joy” us parents get to deal with! Stained carpets too due to, well … lots of stuff — some edible, some not. And as I said before,thankfully we wisely held off on getting new furniture and nice floors until after the kids outgrew their destructive phase.

@Robin: Kids are expensive, but you definitely get your money’s worth!

By: Glen Craig

Glen Craig — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:49:37 +0000

Parties? Just wait until they start school or daycare. There will be some nasty bugs and viruses.

But it’s all good. The little buggers are expensive but it’s so worth it.

By: Robin Uram @ Quizzle

Robin Uram @ Quizzle — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:07:05 +0000

I love this article! I have always said they underestimated that total. They forget the bikes and roller blades and keeping up with the electronic trend (insane) Budgeting for college and their weddings. Perfect way to teach the kids how to budget and keep the costs down.
Meanwhile, You just have to love the little people!

By: J. Money

J. Money — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:23:50 +0000

And then all the extra doctor visits from catching colds from snotty kids at all the parties too, right? That’s what our doctor said to watch out for at our 2 week checkup yesterday, haha… gotta love it!

By: Glen Craig

Glen Craig — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:24:22 +0000

Gifts – how about all the gifts you have to buy going to OTHER kids parties! And then you have to put together birthday parties for your own kids.

Good to know about the mini tools. I’ve seen sets like that and considered them when my 5 yr old guy gets a little older. Now I know to keep them on lockdown. Similarly, you can expect to do some painting to cover up crayon and marker drawing somewhere in the house and some piece of furniture will need to be replaced because of the kids.

And how’s this for extra costs – you may get to a point where you just need a bigger place to live. Where does that fit into the $235k? Add to that a bigger car (our poor little Corolla just couldn’t handle a trip to BJs with a couple of car seats in the back).

By: J. Money

J. Money — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:58:43 +0000

Thanks again for guest posting, Len! A lot of things to look forward to, eh? ;) I think I already need to buy a whole bunch of more shirts for myself – that little booger pees/poops all over me every day! Haha… it’s a good thing they make ’em so cute.

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 21:20:54 +0000

Dentist. Medicine. Haircuts. Furniture.

Also, there is some debate about whether or not people are happier as a result of having kids. A small sample:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-happiness/201006/why-don-t-kids-make-us-happy

By: Melissa@LittleHouseInTheValley

Melissa@LittleHouseInTheValley — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 23:57:18 +0000

This is so true! Our 8 year old is still fairly insulated from peer pressure. He doesn’t yet have a cell phone or even much care about video games. However, his extracurricular activities are starting to add up, and he has two younger siblings behind him.

By: Andrea @ Take A Smart Step

Andrea @ Take A Smart Step — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:56:35 +0000

I am with everyone else on the other kids birthday presents – I am amazed at how much I spend yearly on birthday presents for other kids. My son is also not capable of walking by a light switch that he does not believe needs to be on – even if it is the middle of a bright sunny day!

What we do for love! :)