When I asked for parents to write me and share details on how the economy has affected the way they spend money on their kids, I was expecting someone to say they bought their child some Osh Kosh overalls and sent them to earn their Hamburger Helper. 

I guess that letter is still on the way. While I continue to wait for that one, here’s a great letter from a reader on how she’s dealt with raising two kids after a pay cut: 

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“I recently had a pay cut, and we are looking at where we can cut corners. Nothing makes a parent feel worse than looking at ways to save money on the backs of your kids, whom you want to start out in life with the best of everything: opportunities, education, nutrition (not toys, etc.).

Daycare is the #1 cost, as well as health insurance. My babies’ YMCA daycare is about $1000 per month, and that's the cheapest reputable daycare that I could find in my city.

Insurance costs at least $100 per month with a high deductible.

A car seat is at least $100.

Then we have to pay for diapers, food, medicine, "developmental" toys and so on.

Here are some things that we are doing to cut back now that we have two kids and a pay cut:

I am switching from buying organic formula to having my baby use the regular formula provided at her daycare for free. This will save me about $100 per month. As important as an organic, lower-chemical start to my kid’s life is to me, it's incredibly expensive! 

I realize that switching from organic to non-organic might sound like "Oh, poor me, my baby can't wear Burberry anymore," but it's not. I scrimp and save and go without so that my kids can have a healthy start, and it really pains me to have to compromise their health basically to pay the mortgage.

For those of you saying that breast milk is best and it's free: yes, it is, but that's currently not an option.

My 5-year-old son understands that we are cutting back on extras like eating out and toys and clothes. He offers to use his piggy bank money to buy groceries! 

So awesome yet sad at the same time.

We trade in old kid’s clothes and toys for used ones at the kiddie consignment and resale shops, and give some to friends with smaller children. 

My baby plays with used toys and things like boxes and plastic bowls and wooden spoons.

We are growing some of our own vegetables. The adults have switched from organic to non-organic food.

For an occasional treat we see a movie at a second-run theater. We never attend a first run. Monsters vs. Aliens will just have to wait.

We are anticipating the first Tooth Fairy visit, and I am negotiating down the amount of money she will leave with my husband.

We borrowed our infant car seat and are checking to see if it's safe to re-use our son's convertible car seat for the baby. It's recommended that you don't use car seats after a certain number of years because the Styrofoam breaks down.  

When you have to say no constantly to your kid who sees other kids at school with the newest toy, going to the new movies, etc. it sucks. But I think that it also teaches them the value of money.”

Andrea

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E-mail me at therecessiondiaries@gmail.com.