To all parents, we deeply appreciate the incredible work you’re doing in nurturing future leaders in various fields like politics, education, healthcare, technology, and business. Raising children is no easy task, but with strength and determination, you’re shaping them for greatness.
As the long vacation approaches, many schools are closing, and the children will soon be at home. This presents a new set of challenges compared to the usual routine when kids are away at school or in boarding. With them home for extended periods, the pressure on household finances grows. Younger children, especially, will be looking for constant meals and snacks. Despite the country’s economic struggles, their focus will be on their needs and desires. How can you manage this situation without breaking the bank? It might be time to revisit some of the practical skills you learned in Home Economics class, which can be quite useful during this time.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Create a meal schedule and place it in a visible area. This way, everyone knows what to expect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, reducing unnecessary requests for specific meals and helping you stick to a budget.
- When planning meals, consider preparing items that are cost-effective and can be made in bulk, like pap for breakfast. By buying corn and making large batches of pap at home, you save money compared to purchasing it ready-made. You can also make your own akara to pair with the pap, offering more quantity and better quality than store-bought versions.
- Variety is key in meal preparation. For example, potatoes or yam can be prepared in several different ways to keep the meals interesting: fried for breakfast, boiled with vegetable sauce, or made into yam pottage. Beans can be versatile too, served with rice, as pottage, or made into moi-moi.
- Avoid the need for each child to prepare their own tea. Instead, brew a large batch and pour it into individual cups. You can also opt for small beverage refill packs to control the portions.
- Home baking is another way to save. You might want to try making bread rolls or doughnuts at home, or involve your older kids in the process. While it may seem like a higher upfront cost, baking ensures that you know exactly what your family is consuming and can avoid preservatives often found in store-bought bread.
- Minimize food waste by serving portions that your children will actually eat. Encourage them not to waste food, especially when every meal counts in tough economic times.
- Lastly, if your kids are making demands that might seem like unnecessary expenses, use this time to discuss the family budget. Help your older children understand the importance of financial responsibility, especially during a holiday when spending can easily get out of hand.
Have a wonderful and financially wise holiday!
