Worth their weight

Children are the most priceless of gifts, their value beyond all measure. But can we agree, they suck in money like a black hole?

I'm not talking 'Buy me a gold BMW for my 18th'. In our case we stick to 'Oh, help, he’s outgrown his underpants again!'

I'm definitely not the only one who thinks kids are costly. 'Children are the most expensive item in every family's budget,' says American sociologist Andrew Hacker.

Exactly how much kids should know about the full horror of family finances is a minefield too, as Sam Wilson confesses.

There are so many things I would love to give my children that are precluded by the emptiness of my pockets: overseas travel, beds that don't creak, sports equipment that isn't a hand-me-down from someone's mad uncle Barry.

But we do okay, and I am sure, one day, they will thank me for prioritising their education over regular visits to Ratanga Junction. Won't they?

Here are some looks at what kids cost from cradle up:

What babies cost
Are boys more expensive?
Chasing papgeld
Kids: an expensive hobby

Got some tips for those of us who can't budget? Or just want to whine too?