Kids extracurricular activities putting parents in poorhouse

Compare Cards' report found 8 in 10 parents think their child’s competitive activity could one day lead to income.

It’s reported that 46 percent of parents spend more than $1,000 annually on their kids’ activity – and 27 percent spend more than $2,000.

Wynn’s Family Psychology owner, author and child psychologist Dr. Kristen Wynns said parents need to make decisions that won't stress them financially.

"I think the important thing is for kids to show that they care about it, that they're passionate about it, that they want to spend their time and energy on it," said Wynns.

She said she knows, personally, that a child being invested in their hobby makes it easier for parents to shell out the money.

CompareCards.com chief industry analyst Matt Schultz said it's noble that parents want to help their children follow their dreams, you can't wreck your own dreams of financial stability and retirement in the process.

"There are awful lot of parents who have big dreams and big hopes for their kids," said Schultz. "The reality is most kids aren't going to be Lebron James or James Harden or Beyonce."

He said parents think the more they invest, the bigger the pay off.


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