The Economy Is Affecting Children—Find Ways To Help Your Children For Less Money
Posted: Sunday, December 20, 2009
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Everyone knows the bad economy is affecting adults but hard times affect kids too. Sure, we all know that if a family has a hard time buying food or other survival basics, kids are affected. However, children are lacking in other ways during these difficult economic times. I know the owner of a children's martial arts center where business has been booming for decades. Generations of kids, many from the same family have attended throughout the years. This year business has dropped by 50%. Those kids who had learned discipline, life skills, social interaction, and self-defense throughout the years were the lucky ones. Many, who would like to attend now, simply cannot afford it. Private sector business such as soccer clinics, dance lessons, swimming lessons, and music lessons are all suffering to some degree as well.
Lack of funds for parents are infringing in the development of many children. One must realize this is not endemic only in America ; the worldwide economic crisis makes it an occurrence in most countries. I am not talking about earth shattering lacks in children's development, but certainly, to an important degree nevertheless. Many parents are disappointed they cannot get their children into extracurricular activities and are trying to cut corners to help.
There are ways to help kids in these economic times-here are some tips:
Negotiate with companies: Negotiate with whatever business or class you would like your child to attend. Be up front and honest with them; tell them due to hard economic times you cannot afford their regular prices. Ask if they would accept less for their services. How much less should you ask? I recommend 15% to 50 %, depending on what you can afford. Companies have to pay rent, pay utilities and employees. They are hurting and many are likely to negotiate with you.
Look closely in your own backyard: See what your local school has to offer similar to your child's needs. Alternatively, look into your neighborhood (city, county) recreation department. Many have self-defense, yoga, ballet, and music lessons cheaper than storefront businesses.
Local churches: Many are offering services to help their communities deal with tough economic times. Make some phone calls to churches and do not be shy that they may not be your denomination. They should accept your child; if not, you do not want to be with them anyway, after all, church should be all about helping everyone.
Check local papers: Look for music lesson instructors offering their services, possibly at an inexpensive rate. Many people are looking for work and there are bargains in the local classifieds; not bargains just regarding music, but also possibly in other areas that can help your child.
Many say the economy is on an up swing. Try telling that to the millions who are out of work or those making barely enough to get by. While we are still going through these tough times, think outside of the "box" and try new and innovative ways to help your children.
This Article has been viewed 2,435 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)We're very aware of the need for our assistance with food banks and financial donations but seldom do we stop to think about those things children are going without, like you've mentioned. As a parent I've seen the benefits of our children's involvement in sports and music lessons and it's a shame so many children cannot experience that. Your article is full of good advice many parents and children will benefit from. Thanks for writing it.Hi Brianna,Thanks for the words--I never realized how much extra "stuff" for kids can mean for them. Hopefully, someone picks up a useful tip from the article or the comments left. Thanks again for droppin by!Steve
Great article! Looking at the other side of the coin, there be an upside for some children during the tight economy. Some kids and parents will actually be spending more time together playing games and having conversation because there isn't money to simply drop the kids at the mall. Unfortunately, even in good economic times, there are parents who fail to see the value of music and sports in the lives of their children.Thanks Mel--and what a great point that I didn't think of--that there can be more family time which I guess can be better than any class can be. Thanks for mentioning that.Steve
In these tough economic times, I am proud to observe that many people are more than happy to give someone down on their luck a break. A few months ago, my shoes fell apart and I thought it would be cheaper to get them repaired than to buy a pair of brand new ones. I love riding my bicycle because it is good exercise and since the price of gasoline is so high it would have probably been cheaper for me to purchase a new pair of shoes at a Kmart near my home than drive down to the shoe repair shop. The owner observed me getting off my old, rust-laden bike, stand it up carefully against the building wall since it had no kickstand, and enter the store. I took the broken shoes out of a plastic Publix supermarket bag and placed them on his table. I waited for 10 minutes as he glued the shoes back together. When he handed them to me I asked him the cost. He said that I owed him nothing.I think that if someone is willing to help someone else with no questions asked then I think they are more than willing to work with someone who does express they need cost break, especially when kids are involved. Now the banks need to learn that they need to start giving people breaks or they will all go broke when people no longer put their money into them.First, I know of a shoe repair business that has gone up about 50% in sales the last few years. Outstanding example of Americans helping Americans!I agree with you regarding banks--banks being a little more user friendly than in the past--don't just give away money but be realistic with whom they loan to and be fair and realisticly compassionette with their customers in trouble. Thanks for great examples Mike.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.