I’m Not Saving Money on my Child

Our little family is in an exciting phase – we’re finally setting up a room for our daughter. Up until now, she’s been sharing a room with us. When she was a newborn, we lived in a cramped apartment, so having a separate space for her wasn’t even an option. After moving into a house, we decided not to take out a housing loan, which meant decorating it little by little.

Now, we finally have everything we need for Vera to move into her own cozy space. She’s thrilled, constantly talking about how her cousins will come over for sleepovers and how she’ll get to make her room her own.

Choosing Practical Over Trendy

Sounds like normal, wishful thinking for a kid, right? So, we’re currently in the process of choosing her bed, wallpaper, and decorations. Initially, I wanted to get her one of those adorable house-shaped beds. But after researching, I changed my mind. We decided on a bigger bed that will last her for years, paired with a high-quality mattress. 

That felt more important than buying a cute but impractical bed she would outgrow too quickly – especially since Vera is already quite tall. Besides, I love snuggling up with her while reading bedtime stories, so having a bigger bed just makes sense.

“You’re Saving Money on Your Child”

After settling on what we thought was the best option, I found a lovely, budget-friendly bed at IKEA. It was simple, but I loved how we could personalize it with a canopy and fairy lights to make it extra special. Excited, I sent the link to my sister to show her our choice. Her response? First, she didn’t like the bed. Second, she said – and I quote “You’re saving money on your child.”

I honestly didn’t know how to respond.

In our family, we don’t raise our child in an environment of excess. We don’t have the latest TV, the most expensive furniture, or top-of-the-line everything. And that’s okay. Our home feels warm and full of love because of the people in it, not the things we own. That doesn’t mean we deprive ourselves – we buy what we need and sometimes what we want. But we never overspend, and we try to teach our daughter that happiness isn’t found in material things. She doesn’t need an ultra-modern bedroom or the latest Nintendo. Even if she were old enough for those things, I still wouldn’t want her to grow up thinking that material possessions define her happiness.

What Really Matters

When I was growing up, I shared a small room with two sisters. We weren’t rich, but we always had everything we needed. And honestly, kids don’t need much. They need a warm home, full bellies, and – if they’re lucky – a little space that’s just theirs. That’s enough to make them happy. Because in the end, what truly matters are the memories we create together – the trips we take, the days spent outdoors, the laughter, hugs, and bedtime stories. A loving, caring family will always mean more than any expensive piece of furniture.

That’s not to say our daughter doesn’t have things. She has plenty of toys – many gifted by family – and we never think twice about spending money on books. For birthdays and holidays, she gets one present from us, and the rest come from relatives. And you know what? She’s happy.

So no, I’m not “saving money on my child.” I’m raising her to be kind, to find joy beyond material things, to value what she has, and to be content with simple pleasures. I want her to understand that happiness isn’t about having the most, but about appreciating what you do have. And with that mindset, I believe the sky is her only limit.

Because in the end, childhood isn’t about designer furniture or trendy gadgets – it’s about bedtime stories, laughter, and love. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

What do you think? Do you agree? I’d love to hear your thoughts.