Why do some ppl make a big deal out of the money they spend on a child?

Question

Like those ppl that only buy used clothes or balk at those that buy new and name brand. My kid has a lot of good quality clothes (pricer than mine) and things like that. I dont tell anyone I spend lots on my kid, but ppl can read, and when they see what my kid has they try to make me feel like an idiot by saying Im crazy, well Im not. We all know if they could do it, they would too!
I dont say eew, you kid has used clothes? Why cant ppl just mnd thier own business, esp about things like this???

BTW college education is taken care of, so quit with that.

Answer 1

You answered your own question when you said people can read. You obviously gain some sense of superiority by buying and displaying these overpriced clothes for your kids. Kids grow quickly and may only wear an out fit a few times before it is too small and they are hard on clothes,too. A special outfit or two is fine but if you buy your children expensive, designer-type clothing all the time you are giving them false expectations about how life will be. If your fortunes,God forbid,would be reversed,and you HAD to shop at yard sales or consignment shops for even a short time,you will have some unhappy children on your hands. Quality clothing can be found at modest prices,just without the added cost of the "desirable" labels. Were you deprived as a child and trying to make up for it with your children? Or do you really think expensive clothes and material possessions can substitute for good parenting? Examine your real motives before you waste anymore money supporting an already bloated designer fashion industry. I could afford the pricier clothes for my kid but chose instead to give him values that had nothing to do with what one owns.

Answer 2

Could be a couple of things:

*If this is close friends or family members that are complaining, they might think that you are making a poor decision to spend that much money brand name clothes for the child, when in their opinion, you can't afford it. If bills aren't getting paid, but you are still buying fancy clothes for the child, for instance, people may think you are making foolish choices. While it may be none of their business, they are probably just concerned about you.

*If this is just random people that you aren't close with, it is none of their business how you dress your child. However, people always need to feel like they are the savviest parent, and the smartest person in the world, so they boost their confidence by bringing others down. They may feel that you are honestly being unwise, they may just be jealous of you, or they may be trying to compensate for the guilt they feel when they buy their kids garage sale clothes.

*A lot of people think that since kids (at certain ages) are growing rapidly, it's stupid to buy them expensive clothes because they are just going to outgrow them in a couple months.

*Also, it depends on the age of the child. If this is an infant or toddler, who is in the rapid growth stage, and who is not concerned with how he or she looks (as long as they are clean and warm), then I would be more likely to go for the cheaper/possibly used clothes (as long as they are clean and in good condition--not stained). If this is an older child, things are trickier. You have to balance the need for the child to look "cool" among peers (kids with cheap "Walmart" clothes tend to get made fun of sometimes), and the need for you to live within your means financially. You also have to figure in the need to teach your child that sometimes they can't get everything they want--otherwise, you may run into problems with a spoiled kid. So it's tough, and it doesn't make it any better when everyone is criticizing you for your choices. I read somewhere about a woman who was going through the same thing, and she got a t-shirt that said:

on the front: "Parenting is the hardest job in the world"

on the back: "What I need is your support, not your criticism"

I think that pretty much sums it up. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I think people say you're crazy because 1. they could be jealous or 2. they know your kids will grow out of everything quickly

If they have their college education paid for and you want to blow money why not use it to teach them empathy? Buy school supplies with your children and have them donate them or at christmas time pick tags off the giving tree and have your children pick out the toys or clothes to get and wrap them and have them put them back under the tree at the store...those "things" you buy for your children will mean more if they appreciate them and can see that they are lucky and the lessons you teach now will last a lifetime.

Answer 4

If you're buying name brand items for your kids you are overspending. Just think the money you overspend could to towards their college education Quality doesn't have to come with a brand name. Are you aware that the same company that manufactures Levi Strauss jeans also manufactures jeans for Wal*Mart? The only difference is the stitching on the Levi's and the name on the back pocket. It's not that difficult to change a stitch setting on a sewing machine and if my kid is going to wear a name on her butt it might as well be her own. I can purchase 3 times as much for my child without brands and I will also have something left over to put into her college account...I'd rather her have a quality education later on than be unemployable but with someone's name on her butt other than her own.

Answer 5

Because kids go through clothes like crazy. They rip them, stain them, and outgrow them before you can even get the pricetag off and I think anyone who spends that much money on clothes is an idiot. Kids don't deserve expensive clothing until they can learn to appreciate them.

Answer 6

Hello, I don't say anything, whether the kid is wearing used clothes or new. But I think most people say stuff because lots of people feel that kids GROW FAST, very fast, and they ruin things fast to, depending on age. Small babies grow too fast, for my baby we bought him expensive clothes also but a few months later, they were practically useless, and as he grew older, his clothes got stained really fast. It all depends on the person, I don't mind, but the average population can't afford that and think it's a waste of money ... they would rather save for the kids future. But if you have enough to not worry. then DONT!! :)

Answer 7

If you can afford it then do it. I feel if you have more than one child then spend a little more money on the cloths for the first child as they will be passed down when they outgrow them. Cheaper cloths will not last more than one child. Why are you worried about what other think anyway. You are who you are.

Answer 8

I don't buy expensive clothes - period. But it isn't my business what other spend on their children unless they are trying to show off and impress me or trying to make me feel bad for shopping at Target (it will never work).

Answer 9

because people cant mind their own business!
if i had a dollar for everytime someone told me that i should have another kid soon because its not right to have only one..id be rich

Answer 10

As long as you have a nice bank account set up for future education.. spend away.