Cost of raising a child less than many think, Fraser study suggests

[JLM]

OTTAWA -- The Fraser Institute says it's never been easier financially to raise a child in Canada, with the annual cost much lower than many believe.

The conservative think-tank says it is possible to raise a child on about $3,000-$4,000 a year, and even less if parents only include necessary expenses and are careful with their dollars.

That is a far cry from some studies that have put the annual expense per child in the $10,000-$15,000 range -- with the total bill for raising a child to age 18 at more than $200,000.

The Fraser Institute says in a new paper that the higher numbers are discouraging for lower income Canadians, who might come away with the conclusion they cannot afford to have children.

But many lower income people can and do raise healthy children, says the paper, authored by economist Christopher Sarlo.

Sarlo concedes his lower estimate is based on the cost of providing a child's essential needs, such as food, clothing, personal care, household supplies, recreation and school supplies.


Cost of raising a child less than many think, Fraser study suggests | CTV News

It all depends on how much you want to spend on the kid. Do you want to spend money on piano lessons or are you content to give him a whistle carved out of a piece of wood from the bush? Do you want him to be entertained in minor hockey or are you happy to teach him to play hide and seek? If you teach the kid good work ethics, he/she can probably get a part time job after school by second or third grade. You can cut expenses by teaching the kid to recognize edible vegetation growing wild in the forest. Dandelions can make a good salad. Raising a kid can cost as little or much as you want it to. In the long run you are much better off if you can teach the kid to be resourceful and useful. You can make his first whistle for him but after that he/she should be making their own.

 

[Kreskin]

He should be making and selling them, by grade 2. No playdate nonsense, just get to work and bust his ***.

 

[petros]

Bullsh*t!!!

 

[damngrumpy]

First of all when it comes to children and grandchildren I have two employers.
First half the year I work to the tax department the second half Santa Claus.
We have 22 grand kids and yes these kids as all kids must come first.
I don't regret one sacrifice I have made for any of them.
As for the information when I saw Fraser Institute I was immediately filled with
a skeptical eye. The Fraser Institute is a Joke as far as I am concerned.