What do you prioritise for your kids?

[cafedesreves]

We are watching our spending at the moment and have an 18-month-old DS.
Things I prioritise:

1. experiences (football, swimming, museums)
2. shoes (he had positional talipes at birth so prioritise Start-Rite for his narrow feet
3. books (although always second hand)
4. healthy food (although don't prioritise organic)
5. nursery (he has to go as I work, and it's one of the more affordable ones near us, but I simply couldn't leave him with the cheapest options having seen them)

Things I don't prioritise:

1. clothes - v happy with second hand - ideally free!
2. bed/bedroom - he has a second hand cot bed and his bedroom is quite plain at the moment although I would like to change that if I can.

Just wondering what you feel are the priorities for your DC?

I would say the main things I prioritised were variety and quality of food, with the hope that DS would be an adventurous and easy to feed child, and a healthy sleep routine, which I think is now called ‘good sleep hygiene’ (bath, books, good night song, bed - comfortable mattress, not too warm not too cold, calm space and all that) so that he would be rested for the day ahead and I could have some time to myself in the evenings.

Very similar to yours. We always get properly fitted shoes and do prioritise experiences. Yes also to nursery. Less priority to holidays abroad.

Same as you but with the utilities increases some of the top list will have to go. Going to switch to cheaper shoes (she's 3 so hoping less impactful), libraries/presents only for books. Also thinking of switching one nursery day to cheaper childminder. Will be able to maintain good diet and experiences hopefully.

Food and heat. I have neither during school hours to make sure he can have both when he’s home.

Priorities have changes over the years. When they were little we bought really expensive shoes, now they're 6 and 8 we get expensive walking boots and school shoes but some cheap trainers/wellies/ thrown it too, it's easier when they can tell you if they're comfy. We've never prioritised designer clothes and got loads second hand when they were tiny, enjoy it whilst you can as there's much less good second hand stuff available as they get bigger!
Toys and books have been important. Books have always been from the library or charity shop though so not particularly expensive. I shudder to think what we've spent on Lego though. They've always had lots of toys, games, craft stuff etc.
We didn't prioritise football/dance type things when until they were 5/6 ish. I took them to toddler groups and cheap stay and play, library type events but we didn't start paying for clubs/classes/activites until they were older. They do a sport each, dd does dance and ds does Cubs now.
I was a SAHM for years and work around the kids now. It was a big priority for us but obviously we were lucky to have the choice.
We've never put much importance on huge whole class parties, they've always had smaller, cheaper parties.
My kids have never been abroad! Or to a theme park come to think of it.

Very similar to yourself. With all the increases trying to do days out for cheap/free taking picnics etc. DS is happiest when he is knee deep in mud or water. Books definitely all second hand and we are lucky to get loads of clothes from friends/family members which I pass on after. As long as DS is happy then that’s all I can ask for.

I think at that age experiences and book costs can be reduced.

You can take them to the park, play football, catch, second hand paddling pool and that will give them great fun

At that age I would be reading to them but you can get free stories on your phone. Have a few physical books but no need to get loads and loads.

Healthy food and sport / activity for us. No matter what happens financially I have an obligation to make sure my children understand you can always prioritise your health and well-being. If everything else that is currently a luxury has to go, so be it. There are things I can't compromise on.

Quality childcare has always been a priority for me, I economise on material items - clothes, books, toys but not on nursery or (now) wrap around care while I work. Extra curriculars, time together (I have sacrificed some salary to be off all school holidays)

1. decent quality food and a pollution-free environment
2. happy, consistent family time together
3. quality shoes & warm coats
4. books
5. sports & outings

clothes, tech and holidays less so.

Football and swimming and the like are great for gross motor skills, also prioritise activities to develop fine motor skills - finger painting, scribbling on paper, turning pages on books, building blocks etc.