Two months ago, we reported on the news that most young parents are reluctant to have a second child. It’s an ongoing topic, as a recent article by one mother whining about how expensive raising a child can be just went viral on the internet.
The article is entitled “A Monthly Salary of 30,000 RMB Is Not Enough for a Child’s Summer Vacation”. According to the article, the mother is a high-paid executive in Guangzhou and her daughter is in grade five. During this summer vacation, the mom spent over RMB35, 000 (roughly $5,247) on her daughter. The costs included a 10-day-long US overseas study program, piano classes, swimming classes, math classes and many other classes.
“Painful as it was to spend that much money,” said the mother, “If I hadn’t spent that much, I’m afraid my little girl might not be able to catch up with her peers.” Many parents shared the same feeling with this mother by posting their bills during this summer vacation. Some parents even paid over RMB50, 000 (roughly $7,496) on their kids’ summer break.
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John, who has a son still in kindergarten, spent over RMB15, 000 (roughly $2,249) this summer. He said that compared with other parents, his costs was already “conservative”. But when we asked if it’s really necessary to spend that much, John sighed and said “At first we all agreed that we should give our children a relaxed summer vacation. But then I found out that other parents had put their kids in all kinds of classes. It felt like betrayal.”
On the other hand, some parents questioned the mother’s intention in the first place, arguing it’s nothing but showing off. A comment read “We all sign up for classes for our children. It’s totally understandable. However, an overseas study program, seriously? It’s a sheer waste of time. Kids can’t learn much. Especially your kid was only in grade five.” Another comment says “It would be much cheaper if not for the overseas program.” Some netizens even dubbed the phenomenon of parents showing off investment in their kids "the new luxury".
Is it really necessary to invest that much money in children? What did you plan for your kids during the summer break? Let us know what you think!
