Discussions

Yes...I'm here to vent. Has anyone else noticed that the cost of sending your child to school and ensuring they don't feel left out is rising every year? I have 2 children, and my child in grade 2 seems to be constantly coming home with more and more forms for activities and sales...that of course cost the parents cash. There are school fundraisers (understandable) book sales, pizza sales, hot dog sales, fun plays, fun concerts, extra supplies for fun activities...the list seems to be growing more each year.  
 
The last 2 and upcoming 2 weeks for extras I'm looking at the $30-$40 mark, and that's even after saying no to some of these forms. How do parents with 2+ children afford this?  
 
Have you come to the point where you've just had to say no...this is not for educational purposes, and is at an extra cost to me? How do you explain this to your child/ren when you have to say no, it's just not happening? I of course have a much deeper understanding if it is an educational experience...but this is just getting out of hand!