How much are you prepared to pay for your children`s activities?

[OrmIrian]

Do you limit them? If they are already doing several quite expensive activities, do you call a halt when they ask to do more. On the principle that I don't let them have everything they want in material terms eg "I need a new skateboard because this one is worn out", tends to get the response, "well save up for it then". I am a bit stuck on this atm. Both my eldest DCs have decided they want to start going to a Saturday Sailing Club on the reservoir. Which is quite pricey but good value (£11 for 4 hours). DD is already going riding every other weekend (ouch!) and goes to climbing club (not so ouch). It isn't that we definitely can't afford it, it would just make things a little tighter rather than impossible. And then of course DS#2 is going to want to start doing things in the next year or so. Should I let them both go, or tell DD that she has to choose?

DD1 (4): little gym £300/18 weeks
tennis £60/12 weeks
swimming £80/12 weeks

plus family gym membership, her cost is £12.50/month

i try not to think about it or add it up usually.

Dh and I have had a think and decided that we are going to have to ask DD to choose between riding and sailing . I hate to do it but we worked out (big mistake) we were going to be spending nearly 120 a month on activities for 2 of them. Not manageable unless we cut out all other days trips, cinema, meals out - things that we all enjoy. DS#2 is likely to start wanting to join things soon as well. DD will still be doing her climbing club as well but I suspect she will be disappointed.

currently , with four children we have,.............

1st , guitar lessons £20
math tutor £26
2nd , guitar lesson £20
3rd , football £70 (season)
4th ballet/tap £38 per half term
math tutor £23
brownies £20 per term
street dance £40 term

weekly costs = £90

term costs= £210

math tutors are stopping soon, as will brownies, and one guitar lessons. which should save me some money soon.
shame we have had piano tunned,and requests for lessons are starting.........