Mums are always on the lookout for ways to save in these hard times, and that is totally understandable – even admirable. More than looking for ways to make some savings, however, it is also important that we ensure that we are not sacrificing anything in the quality department. Fortunately, there are a LOT of ways to do that. I am pretty sure that you already have your own stash of “secrets” but there might be more out there that you and I haven’t thought of.
Author Elen Lewis has come out with a book titled “The Resourceful Mum’s Handbook” and I think it is pretty interesting, especially in the times that we live in. I know every mother is supposed to be resourceful – that’s part of the job, isn’t it? – but we can always use a helping hand in the realm of imagination. The context of the book is geared more towards a British audience but it seems to me that the concepts contained can be applied practically anywhere in the world.
Elen Lewis opens the book with a rough estimate of how much it costs to raise a child from birth to the time he or she is 21 years old. Now, of course that is assuming that at age 21, your child will be able to stand on his or her own and NOT depend on you to exist. With figures such as £194,000, one can easily see just how financially crippling raising a child can be; that is, if you do not exercise sound parenting habits. One would think that in this day and age, there is no choice but to be a frugal parent; you just might be surprised at how some people do not seem to grasp that concept, though.
With this book, it seems to me that age old concepts are being brought forth anew. The concepts may seem familiar – that’s because they are not all novel ideas – although the context is pleasantly modern. Learn how to be more discerning when it comes to advertising (clothing, food, toys, etc.) and discover tips and tricks that you can use on a daily basis as you nurture your children and guide them into become self-sufficient adults.
I think that whether or not you already have a kid, this book might come in handy. And just in case you think you know it all (you may even really know a LOT), the book is worth it if just to make you laugh. Did I mention that the author has a pretty good sense of humor?
Originally posted on February 28, 2010 @ 9:29 am