The Cost of Raising Children
22 June 2006

I’ll often hear couples say that they don’t have a child, or aren’t having any more children, because they can’t afford it. I’ve never really met anyone who has sat down and done the math to figure out how much it actually costs to raise a child. I do bet that if I were to see the worksheet that they came up with they would not have a category on it called “dumb stuff.” Let me explain.

Last night while watching TV with Andrea and our boys we began to hear a tap-tap-tap-tap. I paused the TV and we all listened. Tap-tap-tap-tap. What in the world was it? At first we thought something was outside tapping on our door or window. I tried to send the boys out to the front room, which was dark, but they were too freaked out. I go out and notice water is dripping down in several places on our door to the garage. Was it raining? No. I opened the garage expecting to see an exploded hot-water heater. It was intact. Crud…I run upstairs to hear the sound of running water coming from down the hall. I notice the carpet at that end of the hall is darker than the rest. I turn the corner to the boys bathroom and see an overflowing sink has given up trying to contain the running faucet. It had the drain plug handle in the up position as if the sink was throwing up its one arm in surrender.

With no shop-vac in the house we pretty much used every towel we had to soak up the water. After that was done it was interrogation time. Of course the two boys stick to the party line, “I didn’t do it.” After some reassuring that dad wasn’t going to kill anyone, one of them broke and said, “I might have forgotten to turn it off after washing my hands.” My anger was balanced out by their “I’m so dead” looks, which reminds me of when I did so many dumb things like this.

So if you’re ever going to try to actually put a dollar amount to how much it costs to raise kids. Remember the “dumb stuff” line item. I bet it comes out more that what it costs for food and clothing.

Anyone know a good mold guy?

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Donella Gallo 22 June 2006 - 7:19:11AM

WOW - did that give me some “flashbacks” that I just did not need this morning. I remember coming home to chocolate milk thrown all over my walls and of course my son Nick was always the suspect because my daughter Tammy was perfect, before her teen years anyways. She admited for Nick that he had done the horrible deed and I had to look at that stain for a very long time because other priorities kept taking place of re-painting the walls. We didn’t have the grace you showed your boys but instead he got spanked and sent to bed and cried that he didn’t do it but instead blamed Tammy which made us even more upset because he would not assume responsibility. When Tammy came to visit us in later years as an adult, she said “Oh, by the way it was me who spilt the chocolate milk, not Nick, you spanked him for nothing.” We were stunned and realized we obviously did not spank her enough and when we told Nick of her confession, he smiled! Talk about a humbling experience.....

Sharon & Darren DiGiacinto 22 June 2006 - 8:23:23AM

OH Dear!!  I’ve never thought of the “dumb stuff” category, but after hearing of your adventure I better start calculating that into my budget for future use! I admire your resolve in not beatin’ the tar out of them; I can only pray that God would give me the same approach.  I so enjoy your stories of “life with kids” and the end result that always leaves a lasting impression on their lives as they grow up. 
Oh and by the way........I have no mold guy I can refer to you, Sorry!! :(

Your Wife 22 June 2006 - 10:07:27AM

Yes I have to say I was very proud of how Jared handeled the whole situation. I am sitting here thinking of how much extra work I have now that I have about 10 loads of towels to do..... I think I have to go beat 2 kids.

Kay Smith 22 June 2006 - 2:08:22PM

Someone you know and her brother always stuck to their stories and no matter what I said, they didn’t do it.  I don’t figure the cost in dollars and cents, only in white hair and wrinkles...but you still have a few years to go even though I have spotted some “whites” on your head.  Hang in there.  It’s worth it as you know no matter the cost.  kay