Practical Parenting

If you're a parent, you know that kids = expense. The minute you saw that stick turn pink, you know that you're going to have to shell out money for monthly doctor's appointments, pre-natal vitamins and milk, cute maternity clothes, larger and comfier flat shoes to match the new clothes because stiletto heels just won't do anymore, extra lunch money for those can't-just-wait-I-have-to-have-it-now cravings and the list goes on. And all these even before the baby arrives! Yes, parenting has never been easy on the pocket.

Of course, once they come out there's your hospital bill, doctor's fee, layette, bassinet if you're not co-sleeping, breast pump, formula and feeding bottles if you're not breastfeeding, strollers if you're not baby wearing, car seat, a contant supply of baby wipes, diapers, a diaper genie, baby products like baby bath, anti-rash creams, nail clippers, socks, hats, bibs, blankets and the list still goes on and on and on...oh, and this is just for your baby's first month of life. This long list continues on until your baby leaves the nest in about 20 so and so years.

When you calculate wardrobe change for your baby from the day one until he turns a year old, brace yourself, it's not cheap. Especially when it's all out of pocket, your pocket. And wardrobe isn't the only thing you spend for your baby. There's monthly check-ups and vaccines, diapers, wipes, baby products, still the list goes on...

Maybe this was why the practical parent was born. And I'm announcing to the world that I am a practical parent. At today's fuel and food prices, is there any other kind?