Posted in Simple and Frugal Living

I so enjoy talking with moms about ways they find to be frugal while raising their families.  Some topics that come to mind are toys, games, clothes, shoes, curriculum, field trips, chores, art projects, and car schooling.  Here are some tips on stretching your dollar with children from my vault.

• Kids only require 2 glasses of milk a day.  Less if they are eating cheese within the same day.  Instead of giving milk every time they ask for a drink (or juice for that matter) give them water.  It is good for them; it's FREE; and it creates an excellent health habit for their future.
• Next time you make pancakes, make extra.  You can freeze these and reheat in the toaster.  Pancakes rarely last out the day in our home, unless I make a Pancake Cooking Fest.  Why?  I have taught my kids to use pancakes for treats.  Spread on jam, peanut butter, honey, or fluff.  Make chocolate chip pancakes and serve the leftovers later in the day cold. 
• Fresh fruit and veggies are less expensive than premade processed snacks AND they pack a powerful nutritional punch.  Get kids to eat these as snacks by cutting them into small pieces.  My kids especially love veggies cut on an angle.   Kids, who aren't required to eat fresh food on a regular basis, often don't develop a taste for it. 
• Buy nuts in bulk at a whole foods or bulk store.  These are a great source of protein, and your kids will enjoy the crunch. 
• Change these nuts into an even more fun snack by baking in the toaster oven with honey or brown sugar drizzled on top. 
• Make your own granola.  It is not only so easy, but it is SOOOO CHEAP!  It keeps for a long time, travels well, and is a great source of nutrition.
• Make homemade versions of playdoh, glue, and paper mache paste.
• Try thrift stores for play shoes.  You can often buy a few pairs for the price of one new pair (great if you have a fashion conscious child). 
• If you don't want the kids to take toys outside, thrift stores again, come in handy for cheap options.
• Check your local stores for end of the season items at rock bottom prices.  I always go to Old Navy the week after Halloween for really cheap costumes.  My kids have a HUGE box full of dress up clothes that probably cost me no more than $20....mind you some of the costumes have been around since my oldest was a littleton (he's 15 now).  Oh dear, there are even a couple of costumes left from when I was a kid!
• Kids begging for an evening treat, try making smoothies.  It's not just a good way to get your kids to eat more fruit; it is an excellent way to use up fruit that is past its prime, thus saving you from throwing it out. Also great for breakfast on the go!
• Use old newborn baby clothes for dolls.
• Instead of buying toys for gifts, consider making some.  I have actually done a few Christmases in which I have made all the toys by hand (i.e doll high chair, horse head on a stick, doll house, blocks, fun pillow cases, puppets, puppet stage, etc)  Start by looking around your home for items that you would like to use for a cause and let your creative mind go to work on how to turn them into something special for your children.

Being frugal with children can be difficult at times.  Don't fret if you give in and buy a DVD from time to time.  Like any other area of saving, if you are keeping your goal and your focus on being a good steward of your money, a splurge here or there is nothing more than that. 

These are my thoughts. 

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer~

Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.  With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking.  

For FREE daily tips and a FREE E-zine on simple and frugal living visit her blog Journey to Simplicity. Need a source of encouragement, inspiration, and support on your journey to Godly womanhood? Visit Simple Journey Ministries (she has a FREE E-zine too!) Of course, don’t forget to visit the Simple Journey Bookstore!