When people learn that I have four children, their reactions typically fall into one of three categories:
- “Wow! Your hands must be full!”
Absolutely! But it’s a fulfilling kind of busy. And on those particularly hectic days, I turn to yoga and a glass of Scotch for a little relief. - “Don’t you know how that happens?”
Of course, I do! And clearly, we’ve mastered it. Need any pointers? - “Oh my gosh, that must be so expensive! How do you manage to afford it?”
In the past, I might have joked that we play rock-paper-scissors each night to determine which kids get to eat or that we save money by skipping essentials like underwear and toothbrushes. I stopped making such jokes since some folks didn’t get the sarcasm and might have reported me (rest assured, my kids have plenty to eat and wear, and they do occasionally brush their teeth). I’ve come to realize that having a larger family has genuinely forced me to be more frugal when it comes to raising kids.
Here are some immediate ways I save money:
- The Power of Hand-Me-Downs
Having multiple children means they often wear hand-me-downs—pajamas and shirts from older siblings that they never played in, and they are totally okay with it. In fact, my younger kids eagerly anticipate wearing clothing that their older siblings have outgrown. I also frequent consignment sales where I find stylish clothes I’d never splurge on otherwise. The quality items I pick up at these sales are durable enough to be passed down, which is crucial since I’ve discovered that little girls can be as tough on clothes as little boys. - Mastering the Art of Saying No at Big-Box Stores
It’s shockingly easy to spend $100 on items we don’t really need, especially in places like Target, which is akin to Las Vegas for shopping. With four kids, I can’t afford to indulge whims. I’ve established a rule: I won’t buy anything that isn’t on our shopping list. If I buy a treat for one child, the others will insist on equal treatment, and I simply can’t keep up with that. This not only saves me money but also keeps my sanity intact. The kids know that when we enter the store, they’re unlikely to walk out with extras, which helps teach them about delayed gratification. - Bulk Buying is My Best Friend
Discount and warehouse stores have become my best allies. I’ve practically earned a VIP status at Costco, where I’m greeted by name and don’t even have to show my membership card anymore. When your kids eat like they’re training for a marathon, buying in bulk is a must. While the upfront cost might be higher, the price per item is lower, and I’m less tempted to make impulse buys, which ultimately saves me money. Plus, it forces me to plan meals in advance. - Vacationing on a Budget
Traveling to extravagant destinations is nearly impossible with a large family and a primarily single income. My partner and I have discussed taking the kids to Disney World (yes, they have yet to experience it), but we struggle to justify spending over $5,000 for a trip. Instead, I’ve started looking for closer and more affordable vacation spots. This scarcity has made the trips we do take much more meaningful for all of us.
My children are well cared for and get to enjoy special treats now and then. Raising a big family has pushed me to be resourceful and less focused on material possessions. Emphasizing what I can do within our budget has deepened my appreciation for my children. I never anticipated that having more kids would lead me to feel content with less, but I’m grateful for this lesson. I hope my children look back fondly on their childhood and realize that having siblings is not a disadvantage but a blessing filled with love and joy.
For more insights on family planning, check out this at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit. It’s also helpful to explore outdoor adventures that can be budget-friendly for large families. For those considering pregnancy options, this resource offers valuable information as well.
In summary, embracing a larger family can lead to unexpected financial benefits, fostering creativity and gratitude in how we manage our resources while ensuring our children grow up with love and support.