This includes the cost associated with the new member of the family. However, even if you have budgeted carefully, as your child grows into a toddler, so do the financial responsibilities of being a parent.
\nEunice Sibiya, head of Consumer Education at FNB, said that the first year of your baby\u2019s life has certain cost implications, but between the ages of one and three, your toddler comes with their own unique set of costs. They are more social, attending birthday parties and might be going to a playschool or a childcare centre. The best thing you can do is be financially prepared for them.<\/p>\n
Going to not-so-big school<\/b> Birthday parties<\/b> Medical costs<\/b>
\nMany parents decide to enrol their toddlers in a childcare facility because their social skills are more established, and many agree that learning through play is beneficial for their development.
\nWhether you decide on a cr\u00e8che or playgroup, or both, you should do your homework.
\nYou need to ask whether you and your toddler are getting value for your money.
\n\u201cDifferent facilities offer different services. Do you want a day-care, cr\u00e8che or playgroup? Some cr\u00e8ches ask you to bring nappies and toiletries, while others include this in the cost. Decide on what you want and ask whether you and your toddler can have a trial run.\u201d
\nIf you\u2019re choosing a childcare facility, let your child attend for a week, as a trial run. Also find out if your employer offers this facility. There are usually staff discounts and you won\u2019t have to change your driving routine. You\u2019ll also be close to your little one during the day.
\nOnce you\u2019ve decided on childcare or a playgroup, or both, you need to add this expense to your budget.
\n\u201cFind out if your child\u2019s school offers any sort of discount for early payment. It\u2019s a good idea to use your bonus to pay for your child\u2019s annual tuition, as you might get a discount if you do this.\u201d
\nShe added that if you have two or more children at the same school, it might be worth asking if there are discounts for the second and third child.<\/p>
\nOnce your child starts interacting with other kids, they will be invited to birthday parties and chances are that you will be attending a birthday party almost every weekend. You will also have your own child\u2019s birthday party to plan for.
\n\u201cWhen attending other children\u2019s birthday parties, try and find toys that work for both boys and girls, like puzzles, play dough or bubbles. You could buy a variety of these toys in bulk, and even better if you buy them on special. Then bring them out whenever you have a party to go to.\u201d
\nThis will give your budget a break in that you won\u2019t be buying toys every month
\n\u201cFor your own child\u2019s birthday, try to be cost conscious, hosting at home will save money and asking friends and family to help bake will go a long way.
\n\u201cTo be even more financially savvy, instead of asking for presents, ask close family and friends to pay small cash sums to an account that will go towards saving for your child\u2019s education. You will be surprised at how quickly these small amounts add up over the years, and you will also be surprised at how relieved adults will be with this simple option.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAnother cost to think about is that when your child goes to cr\u00e8che or preschool, their immune system may be compromised due to being exposed to the outside world.
\nTheir immune systems might still be vulnerable, so bundle them up warmly in winter and if you want, there are immune boosting medications that you can make use of.
\nIt would also be a good idea to double check what sort of medical aid plan you and your family are on. Call your medical aid and perhaps re-evaluate your needs and the plan you\u2019re on.
\n\u201cAs your child grows, their needs change and your budget needs to adjust accordingly. The best way to stay on top of this is to be financially responsible and re-evaluate your budget on a regular basis.\u201d<\/p>