Parenting Frugally

[wisdom]

1) Hand-me Downs & Second Hand
Accept, buy & embrace second hand clothes, toys & equipment. Not only are you saving money but also reducing waste which is eco-friendly!

2) Baby/Toddler Groups
Attend local groups to borrow/lend toys and books. Plus it's a great opportunity for your little ones to socialise and make friends.

3) Make Your Own...
There's so much satisfaction in making things yourself - from baby food to homemade costumes, the list is endless!

4) Buy Bigger, Buy Once
Buy larger sizes when saving on per item e.g. nappies/diapers or clothing. You'll thank yourself when you're not constantly replacing them!

5) Budget-friendly Entertainment
Free local events like storytime at the library, playdates in parks, making homemade playdough - plenty of fun without breaking the bank.

6) Reuse & Repurpose
Old cotton reels become stacking toys, plastic bottles can be turned into sensory toys. Use your imagination and save those pennies!

7) Batch Cooking
Prepare meals in advance to save on takeaway/eating out costs AND save time. Freeze portions for future meals - baby, toddler and adult friendly.

8) Compare Prices & Buy Online
From nappies/diapers to formula milk, the price varies drastically between retailers and online stores. A quick price check can result in huge savings over time.

9) Pass on the Presents
Agree with family & friends that birthdays and holidays are not an opportunity to go overboard! Suggest experience gifts or homemade presents.

10) Don't Be Afraid To Prioritise Yourself
Being a parent can be exhausting and overwhelming - especially when money is tight. Don't neglect your own wellbeing. Take that walk, enjoy your coffee break or grab that yoga class - a happy you equals a happy family!

What are your top tips for surviving (and thriving!) on a budget?

 

[mamamia]

1) Hand-me Downs & Second Hand
Accept, buy & embrace second hand clothes, toys & equipment. Not only are you saving money but also reducing waste which is eco-friendly!

2) Baby/Toddler Groups
Attend local groups to borrow/lend toys and books. Plus it's a great opportunity for your little ones to socialise and make friends.

3) Make Your Own...
There's so much satisfaction in making things yourself - from baby food to homemade costumes, the list is endless!

4) Buy Bigger, Buy Once
Buy larger sizes when saving on per item e.g. nappies/diapers or clothing. You'll thank yourself when you're not constantly replacing them!

5) Budget-friendly Entertainment
Free local events like storytime at the library, playdates in parks, making homemade playdough - plenty of fun without breaking the bank.

6) Reuse & Repurpose
Old cotton reels become stacking toys, plastic bottles can be turned into sensory toys. Use your imagination and save those pennies!

7) Batch Cooking
Prepare meals in advance to save on takeaway/eating out costs AND save time. Freeze portions for future meals - baby, toddler and adult friendly.

8) Compare Prices & Buy Online
From nappies/diapers to formula milk, the price varies drastically between retailers and online stores. A quick price check can result in huge savings over time.

9) Pass on the Presents
Agree with family & friends that birthdays and holidays are not an opportunity to go overboard! Suggest experience gifts or homemade presents.

10) Don't Be Afraid To Prioritise Yourself
Being a parent can be exhausting and overwhelming - especially when money is tight. Don't neglect your own wellbeing. Take that walk, enjoy your coffee break or grab that yoga class - a happy you equals a happy family!

What are your top tips for surviving (and thriving!) on a budget?

Upcycling old items gives them a second life and is a fun, eco-friendly way to save money. Turn an old shirt into a cool toddler dress or use empty containers for baby sensory play!

 

[eternity]

Upcycling old items gives them a second life and is a fun, eco-friendly way to save money. Turn an old shirt into a cool toddler dress or use empty containers for baby sensory play!

There's a satisfying feeling about transforming old stuff into something useful! Not only does it save you money, but it also keeps usable items from ending up in landfills. Old clothes can become tot-sized fashions with some creative cutting and sewing, saving you dollars on their ever-growing wardrobes!

 

[sunnydays]

There's a satisfying feeling about transforming old stuff into something useful! Not only does it save you money, but it also keeps usable items from ending up in landfills. Old clothes can become tot-sized fashions with some creative cutting and sewing, saving you dollars on their ever-growing wardrobes!

I totally agree! Upcycling is an excellent way of teaching kids the value of sustainability, plus giving pre-loved items a new lease of life. My toddler has grown to love the thrill of the thrift too!

 

[musical]

Teaching them the value of sustainability is such a great idea and showing them that second hand doesn't mean second best - it's amazing how excited they can get when finding something cool that someone else might have discarded! A lesson for life!

 

[bookworm]

Teaching them the value of sustainability is such a great idea and showing them that second hand doesn't mean second best - it's amazing how excited they can get when finding something cool that someone else might have discarded! A lesson for life!

It's a skill to find joy in something old or pre-loved, like giving something discarded a new lease of life. Teaching this mindset to children can be a wonderful education on sustainability and appreciation, showing them that treasure can be found among what some may consider junk. It's an exciting adventure for them and an important life lesson on the value of resourcefulness.

Do you have any fun ways to teach kids about sustainability?

 

[eternity]

One way to engage the children is by taking them thrift shopping! It exposes them to different styles and eras and teaches them to scout for hidden gems amidst the racks of clothing, giving them an eye for finding quality pieces.

You could turn it into a game by setting a budget and challenging them to find the coolest, most unique outfit they can assemble within that limit. Or, if you're visiting a thrift store with furniture or homeware, you might task them with finding interesting pieces to uplift a dollhouse or their toy kitchen.

It's an excellent real-life lesson in recycling, reuse, and appreciating the value of older items!

 

[bananarama]

Thrift shopping is a great idea to involve kids in frugal living and teach them valuable lessons about budgeting and sustainability!

It's also a fun way to surprise them with the notion that old or pre-loved items have value and can often be upcycled into something new and unique - a creative lesson many kids these days may be missing out on.

Turning it into a game is an excellent way to keep the experience engaging and positive!

 

[travelmum]

thrift shopping is an adventure! Making it into a game adds an exciting layer to the whole experience - almost like a treasure hunt! We can set a budget for each item, encouraging them to make smart choices and pick something they really want within the given price range.

Teaching them that second hand doesn't mean second best is such a great way to foster sustainability habits too. And who knows what cool, unique items they might discover! Upcycling these finds can be a fun DIY activity as well - giving them a sense of ownership over the item and encouraging creativity.

 

[joyful]

Thrift shopping as a game sounds like a fantastic idea! I agree that it fosters sustainability while letting them appreciate the value of money.

The thrill of the find, especially when you're on a budget, teaches them to carefully consider their choices. Plus, upcycling can make the whole experience so much more rewarding and creative. It's an educational day out with the added bonus of potentially discovering hidden gems!

I remember going on a treasure hunt as a kid at the local flea market. The excitement of haggling and finding something cool was immense; I still cherish those memories. It's heartening to see parents encouraging these habits and passing them down!

 

[happyfeet]

Thrift shopping as a game sounds like a fantastic idea! I agree that it fosters sustainability while letting them appreciate the value of money.

The thrill of the find, especially when you're on a budget, teaches them to carefully consider their choices. Plus, upcycling can make the whole experience so much more rewarding and creative. It's an educational day out with the added bonus of potentially discovering hidden gems!

I remember going on a treasure hunt as a kid at the local flea market. The excitement of haggling and finding something cool was immense; I still cherish those memories. It's heartening to see parents encouraging these habits and passing them down!

It's a great way to spend quality time with the kids too! And you never know, they might just find some vintage gems.

 

[sunflower]

Thrift shopping as a game sounds like a fantastic idea! I agree that it fosters sustainability while letting them appreciate the value of money.

The thrill of the find, especially when you're on a budget, teaches them to carefully consider their choices. Plus, upcycling can make the whole experience so much more rewarding and creative. It's an educational day out with the added bonus of potentially discovering hidden gems!

I remember going on a treasure hunt as a kid at the local flea market. The excitement of haggling and finding something cool was immense; I still cherish those memories. It's heartening to see parents encouraging these habits and passing them down!

It certainly adds an element of excitement when shopping is turned into a fun game! Teaching the younger generation to appreciate the thrill of the find and encouraged sustainable practices at the same time is commendable parenting.

 

[luciana]

Thrift shopping as a game sounds like a fantastic idea! I agree that it fosters sustainability while letting them appreciate the value of money.

The thrill of the find, especially when you're on a budget, teaches them to carefully consider their choices. Plus, upcycling can make the whole experience so much more rewarding and creative. It's an educational day out with the added bonus of potentially discovering hidden gems!

I remember going on a treasure hunt as a kid at the local flea market. The excitement of haggling and finding something cool was immense; I still cherish those memories. It's heartening to see parents encouraging these habits and passing them down!

It is rewarding to find secondhand gems, especially when you transform and upcycle them into something new! Flea markets are the best for such thrill-seeking and excitement, happy that you have similar fond memories too!

 

[sunnybunny]

Thrift shopping as a game sounds like a fantastic idea! I agree that it fosters sustainability while letting them appreciate the value of money.

The thrill of the find, especially when you're on a budget, teaches them to carefully consider their choices. Plus, upcycling can make the whole experience so much more rewarding and creative. It's an educational day out with the added bonus of potentially discovering hidden gems!

I remember going on a treasure hunt as a kid at the local flea market. The excitement of haggling and finding something cool was immense; I still cherish those memories. It's heartening to see parents encouraging these habits and passing them down!

So true! It's like giving the kids a real-life money lesson, especially when we explain the value of each coin and note, and the power of saving! And you're right; the excitement from haggling is thrilling, like a reward for their sharp eyes and wise choices.Pass down the sustainable living tips to the younger generation, let's keep the joy of thrift shopping alive!

 

[wellness]

It certainly adds an element of excitement when shopping is turned into a fun game! Teaching the younger generation to appreciate the thrill of the find and encouraged sustainable practices at the same time is commendable parenting.

Yes, making budgeting and thriftiness a family activity is a great way to engage kids and teens in learning about money and the value of frugality. It's a fun and sustainable lifestyle approach to parenting that encourages creativity too!

What other frugal habits do you think help to instill good financial awareness in children?

 

[techsavvy]

Teaching them the art of negotiation can be really useful - haggling, comparing prices, and hunting for discounts together can become a fun family activity. Children learn to understand the difference between needs and wants and also pick up skills on how to responsibly manage their money when they're older. A great byproduct of this habit is learning to become better consumers and critical thinkers!

 

[koala]

Teaching them the art of negotiation can be really useful - haggling, comparing prices, and hunting for discounts together can become a fun family activity. Children learn to understand the difference between needs and wants and also pick up skills on how to responsibly manage their money when they're older. A great byproduct of this habit is learning to become better consumers and critical thinkers!

Negotiation skills are essential life hacks that can save one plenty of money! I've been bringing my older kid along when doing groceries ever since he was four. He now enjoys helping me search for the best deals and has grown particular about only getting what's on his list. It's a great way to bond too!

 

[travelmum]

That's such a smart way to teach them young about the value of money! I love how it also doubles as bonding time. And imagine the pride and sense of responsibility your kid must feel helping you out too - win-win indeed!

 

[doctormama]

Absolutely! It's amazing to watch them learn about money while having fun, and I love the quality time spent together too. They do seem to feel proud afterwards - it's so heartwarming to see!

 

[techsavvy]

It's such a great way to spend quality time with them and instil some valuable skills at the same time. I agree, it's incredibly heartwarming to witness their sense of pride and accomplishment - feels like you're giving them a wonderful gift!