Inflation seems to hit everything, but in one area costs have gone well beyond typical price hikes. This area is children’s toys. In fact, the increase is not only a result of higher prices of the same type of toys that have always been there, but it is more in what has become a child’s necessity: gadgets.
In addition to all the typical dolls, train tracks, legos, etc children today rock all sorts of electronics from cameras to tablets. And parents know pretty well that this change must be embraced one way or another. But this can add significantly to any family’s budget. In addition to the initial costs of buying these devices, there are other costs like monthly bills and subscriptions that must be managed as well.
Parenting strategies may vary on this topic, but there is an undeniable increase of having children own their own gadgets early on. In fact, this past Christmas, a survey conducted in the UK found 84 per cent of parent planned to spend as much as £243 (Dh1,495) on electronic gifts for their kids. The top five tech gifts were: tablets, video games, smartphones, digital camera and e-reader. The survey found 16 per cent of parents willing to pay more than £400.
Does your son or daughter really need such an expensive gift or item in their hands? Are you prepared to maintain this device and pick the costs associated with its operation? You may be the only person to answer these questions. But there are many considerations to keep in mind while you’re making your decision.
Children electronics
If you’ve made the decision to keep little hands off your gadgets, now perhaps you need to consider getting them age-appropriate devices. Consider what your children needs — or more precisely what you will be letting them use — in a table, and check kids’ electronics. Many time these devices are more sturdy, easier to hold and don’t include many features that hike the prices of a top tablet or phone. They also may offer many parenting-control features and different ways to limit their use in terms of cost and time.
Running costs
These costs may not seem significant, but many quality children software, games and online programme require monthly subscription or some sort of payment. Although this may not appear to be a huge expense, it can easily aggregate into a substantial sum if you’ve several children and you don’t keep a close eye on their spending. Similarly, you should be clear about how much texting or phone calling you’d allow first to avoid having a huge phone bill, and second to make sure that children are learning that these are privileges that come at a cost.
Shop plans
Discuss your exact needs with you internet provider to see what they can offer you. You also should make sure that you’re not missing offers somewhere else. So keep an eye out for family plans that allow you to bundle your data needs and reduce costs. Again ask for possibilities to control or limit use. Providers also may walk you through way to monitor the use in terms of quantity and content.
Upgrades
Have you been delaying your own phone upgrade for months? A similar decision may be difficult to manage with a teenager who is under peer pressure. However, it is important to keep an eye on how much spending on unnecessary upgrade can drain your budget once it becomes a habit and perceived necessity. Separately, this may be taking from your disposable income that can be spent on other family needs from luxuries to outings, etc.
The bottom line: it is not right or wrong to give your child a gift that can be fun and educational, but it may not be the best idea to keep it the centre of your child’s possessions.
Rania Oteify a former Gulf News Business Features Editor is a Seattle-based editor.
