Kids cost money. So what else is new? We know kids are expensive — but just how expensive was reported by The Associated Press in The Dallas Morning News. The study involved 12,850 two-parent households and 3,395 single-parent households. Housing, at $49,710, took the biggest chunk, while food came to $26,130, followed closely by transportation, clothing and child care. On a monthly basis, this is $694 per month — over $149,000 total — to raise one child in a two-child, two-parent, middle-income family.
I report these facts and figures to introduce a significant thought: Many parents make that kind of financial investment in a child and yet do not find the time to make an emotional investment of time and love in their children. Yes, I know, the story goes that we're "busier than ever," but "Busier doing what?" is the question. Most parents will tell you their kids are the most important things in their lives, but somehow, they do not put them in their daily schedule. Every study validates the fact that most kids prefer time with their parents to the little "goodies" money provides.
Actually, our workweek, despite popular belief, has been reduced by an average of six hours over the last 10 years. Unfortunately, all of that time, according to a study reported in Bottom Line/Personal, is spent watching TV.
Thought: If you invested $149,000 in a farm, chances are pretty good you'd spend some time maintaining that farm. If you invested $149,000 in stocks, you'd closely follow the stock market.
Message: You've got a huge investment, an incredible opportunity and a responsibility to protect and spend time with your children; they grow up fast. Take that approach, and I'll see you at the top!
To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free email newsletter through zigziglar.com.
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