It Costs How Much To Raise A Child

     Every now and then you hear these unbelievable statistics about how much it costs to raise a child. These "facts" are enough to send potential parents screaming into the night, alone. I wonder how they figure out these numbers. Do they figure the cost of name brand diapers and formula? What about store brands and breastfeeding? Are they adding in extra for private school and a brand new car when the kid turns sixteen? Are the sending them to Harvard and paying the kids way?
     I can tell you what they aren't figuring in, the damage that kids do through out their lives. It can be something as simple as a baby spitting up on a dry-clean only dress, although if you are stupid enough to hold a baby in a dry-clean only dress you've got it coming, to the bigger things like your son heaving a rock through a window, or poking hole in a window screen, or writing on the walls with permanent makers. $$$ These all cost money.
     I bet your wondering what made me think of all of this. I got a call today from the mother of one of my sons friends telling me that our two boys borrowed her ATM card and ran up $150.00 worth of charges on their Wii.  Yes, $150.00!!! What the heck were they thinking?! I know what they were thinking, they were thinking that the magic card is something you use when you're out of cash and it is a never ending source of fun. I think some financial lessons are needed around here. They are starting today.