When people learn that I have four kids, their reactions usually fit into one of three categories:
- “Wow! You must be so busy!”
Yes, I am, but it’s a fulfilling kind of busy. Most days, anyway. When it gets overwhelming, there’s always a blend of yoga and a glass of wine to help me unwind. - “Don’t you know how that happens?”
Absolutely! And I’d say we’re quite proficient at it. Need any pointers? - “Oh wow, that must be so expensive! How do you manage it all?”
Related: Discover how to save on kids’ clothes — they do outgrow them, after all.
In the past, I jokingly replied that we decide who gets dinner through rock-paper-scissors or that we skip essentials like underwear and toothbrushes. But I stopped making those jokes as I realized some people might not catch the sarcasm and could report me to the authorities (rest assured, my kids have plenty of food, clean clothes, and yes, they do brush their teeth). Instead, I’ve come to understand that having a larger family has genuinely prompted me to be more frugal with child-rearing expenses. Here are a few ways this has worked out for me:
1. Hand-Me-Downs are a Blessing
Having multiple children means they can share clothes, from pajamas to sports shirts from teams they never played on. Surprisingly, my younger kids eagerly wait for their older siblings to outgrow certain outfits so they can wear them. I also frequent consignment sales, where I score cute, high-quality clothing that lasts through multiple kids. I was shocked to find that little girls can be just as tough on clothes as boys, but the abundance of Target and Walmart items in our home tells a different story.
2. The Art of Saying No in Big-Box Stores
Walking into a store with my four kids is an exercise in restraint, especially when it’s easy to spend money on things we don’t really need. If I were to buy a LEGO set for one child, the others would demand equal treatment. So, I’ve made it a rule: we only buy what we came for. This keeps my expenses in check and prevents impulse buys. It also keeps my sanity intact, as my kids learn that treats aren’t guaranteed whenever we step into a store. Perhaps this is teaching them the value of delayed gratification, which I know I’m certainly learning!
3. Embracing Bulk Purchases
Warehouse stores have become my best friend. I’m practically a VIP at Costco; they greet me by name and sometimes wave me through without showing my membership card. When your kids eat like there’s no tomorrow, bulk buying is a real money-saver. Even though I might spend more upfront, the cost per item is lower, and I avoid those pesky impulse buys at checkout. Plus, bulk buying encourages me to plan our meals better.
4. Rethinking Vacations
Taking lavish vacations is usually off the table when you have a big family and are living on a mainly single income. My husband and I have tossed around the idea of taking our kids to Disney World, but we find it hard to justify spending $5,000 or more for a trip. Instead, I’ve started looking for nearby, budget-friendly destinations. Not traveling as frequently makes the trips we do take that much more special.
My children are well-cared for and don’t lack the essentials or some fun treats along the way. Having a large family has pushed me to be more resourceful and less focused on material possessions. This positive outlook has deepened my appreciation for my kids. I never anticipated that having more children would lead me to value less, but I’m truly grateful for this insight. I hope they’ll one day look back and understand that their many siblings were not a burden that deprived them of luxuries but rather a blessing that enriched their lives.
For more helpful tips on parenting and family budgeting, check out this other blog post. And if you’re considering family planning options, this reputable site offers at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Healthline is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and insemination information.
Summary
Having more kids can surprisingly lead to smarter spending habits. From hand-me-downs and the art of saying no, to bulk buying and rethinking vacations, larger families often find creative ways to save. Ultimately, it’s about appreciating what you have, finding joy in simplicity, and teaching kids valuable lessons in the process.
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