Buying Cheap Baby Clothes And Kids Clothes Is Better Than Sacrificing Family Fun

In today’s economic downturn more and more parents are looking for ways to save money while still being able to enjoy family time with their babies and kids. Buying cheap baby clothes, cutting down on the amount of money spent on toys and clipping coupons to help with the grocery shopping bill are all measures that some families have had to adopt to help with the family budget.

But these cost cutting actions do not mean that you have to miss out on family outings. There are lots of activities you can enjoy together that are cost little or no money to enjoy.

The first thing I would suggest is to join your local library if you are not already a member. Not only will you be able to check out books to read to your child but many libraries have a range of free activities that you can join in.

For instance my local community library offers weekly preschool story sessions, baby story sessions and bedtime story sessions where the kids can go in their pajamas, take their favorite toy or blanket and cuddle up to hear someone else read a story for a change. They also get to socialize with other kids and their parents and learn to sit and listen.

My library also does a monthly family Saturday movie matinee where they show movies based on children's books. This is a great way for all the family to enjoy an inexpensive afternoon at the movies while bringing the characters of a favorite books to life. There is also a scrap booking session and a range of adult programs as well. Your library may well have other activities available so check it out.

Another suggestion is to visit a Toy Library if you have one in your area. Most toy libraries run sessions where your child and their caregiver (mom, dad, grandma or nanny) can go to play and then borrow toys to take home. Again it is a great place to help your child to learn the skills needed for later life such as interacting with other children and adults, learning to share and most important how to communicate with other children. Most toy libraries do charge a fee but I'm sure for those most in need there are some arrangements.

It is also worth checking out the bulletin boards in your local library, church, post office and grocery store for other activities that you can do with your little ones that are free or cost very little money.

Or if you are lucky enough to live near a park or a wooded area why not go on a nature walk and pack a picnic. Seeing how many different birds and animals you can see and hear is a great way to encourage your kids to use their eyes and ears and really take note of their surroundings.

You don't even need to go to the park, even in your own yard you'll be amazed at how many different sights, sounds and smells you will discover - for instance in the Fall try listening to see if you can hear a leaf drop from the tree.

Far too often in our busy lives we forget the simple pleasures in life like spending time talking to and listening to our children. Babies learn language and develop their brain from having interaction with mom and dad through conversation and play. Kids love to spend time doing things with their parents and you are the best ones to teach them about the world around them.

So even if you have to tighten your belt by buying cheap baby clothes and kid’s clothes and cutting down on trips to the movies or pizza restaurant there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy as a family. Who knows, you may all find that it's actually more enjoyable than sitting in front of the TV or computer and that as a family you learn the art of talking to each other again!