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There is so much here that I either strongly agree with or vehemently disagree with I cannot figure out where to begin.

FWIW...kids cost just about nothing. Nearly nada, folks. Kids do not have lifestyles, they have basic needs, the most important of those being free (love and guidance). Adults have lifestyles, and adult lifestyles cost money. When adults become parents they need to shed the adult lifestyle for the parenting lifestyle. If they do not want to do this, they should just shut their pie holes about how much it costs to raise kids these days, waaaah waaaah.

To be continued. A promise, not just an empty threat.

Now, where was I? Oh yeah, the cost of raising kids. Like I was saying...if we're talking about the child of a married couple, one parent's employer offering health bennies, kids are dirt cheap. What do kids need? Clothes and food. Do kids care if they are designer clothes? No. If they are old enough to care, they are old enough to start babysitting, mowing lawns, shovelling, pet-sitting...what else do kids need? Books are good. There's a special kind of building called a library in which one can borrow books. There are also used book stores, garage sales, library book sales (aka book bonanzas)...supplying your kids with reading material does not mean dropping $50 at Barnes and Noble...what else do kids need? Toys are good. I'm a big fan of toys, quite honestly. Not the kind of toys that plug into a tv, require cartridges, and have to be upgraded every 18 months. I'm a huge fan of Fisher Price. Those Little People playsets cost between $7.99 and $24.99 and they are as close to being indestructable as you are likely to find. They're powered by imagination. AA batteries for special occasions, but usually I let the kids go without. My kids love those things. Three boys, 7, 5, and 2.5. When they are playing Little People together they have a ball. No fighting, no commercials, just fun...so what else do kids need?

Let's go back to the freebies. Kids need love. They need it qualitatively and they need it quantitatively. They need it before they head off to school in the morning and they need it when they step off the bus in the afternoon. Its a 24/7 thing. Free.

Kids need guidance. What is the standard admission price to church these days? That's right--nothing. How much does a private Bible tutor cost? Nothing. If you're on shaky ground biblically, like me, learn along with your kids.

Teaching kids good manners doesn't cost a dime but the kids who grow up in a gracious household will reap the rewards later in life. Grace is a gift that keeps on giving.

Kids need exercise so take a ten minute (at least) walk with them every single day, regardless of weather. Can you spare ten minutes for your child, establishing an excellent habit with nothing but rewards?

Like I said, kids are cheap. Parents, on the other hand, cost a bundle. I actually don't think I'll go into that now, maybe save it for Friday's thread. I'm just not in the mood for "But, but but!" Nothing but excuses.