Am I the only noticing an influx of pregnant women? I see at least two a day, and my reaction is usually the same: Babies aren’t recession-friendly.
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Yes, they’re cute, lovable and a gift from God. But like most gifts, they usually come with a price – one that isn’t cheap. If you don't believe me, check the prices of diapers, formula and baby clothes.
Aside from that, once children start getting older, they have the nerve to develop interest in expensive things like music and sports. Some even have the gall to request birthday parties and gifts in celebration of their contribution to the decline of their parents’ bank accounts.
To this day, I’m so grateful that my mother never sent me a bill for all that she's done for me. I must have gotten on her nerves for constantly growing out of my clothes. Though we struggled, my parents worked tirelessly to provide for me, my brother and sister.
With most job seekers saltier than an order of General Tso’s chicken, it’s become quite difficult for parents to give their children as much as they would in an OK economy.
According to the research firm NPD, in 2008 toy sales dropped 3 percent from the previous year. Children’s clothing also fell 2.2 percent in that same period.
Even those not struggling financially seem to be reining in their spending out of fear that they, too, will ultimately become another victim of the economy.
For Recession Diary readers that are parents, have you been forced to cut back on how much you spend on your kids? Have you found yourself saying, “Public school isn’t so bad?” Or explaining to your child that the Tooth Fairy has been kidnapped by Somali pirates?
What about taking on uncomfortable living situations thanks to financial trouble?
If so, please share your stories with me at [email protected].
P.S. If you’re pregnant reading this, forgive me for saying your little bundle of joy isn’t recession-friendly. If it helps, you’ll be getting a tax break next year.
Michael Arceneaux hails from Houston, lives in Harlem and praises Beyoncé’s name wherever he goes. Follow him on Twitter.
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