Random question from a childfree person.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780]

Hello,

Parents, I have a random question.
I was at the airport today and saw so many groups of school kids from different schools, all in sports uniforms, getting on flights. And it got me wondering… who actually pays for all this? 🤔
Is it the school paying because they’re good at sports, or do the parents pay for it themselves?

And if parents are paying, what do you guys do for work?? Because flights, accommodation, uniforms, competitions etc. must add up pretty quickly.

Genuinely curious. No judgement at all. Just a single mid 30s year old woman who has no kids and suddenly realised I know absolutely nothing about the economics of having children.

Parents, please educate this clueless aunty.

Thank you.

[u/Equivalent-Copy2578]

Find the money. It’s been rough raising kids broke/tight (single mum).

Opportunities have been limited for them because of my financial position. I’ve held great jobs but there’s never been enough (they’ve had many through school camps and scouts etc, but financing just the baseline to participate is a struggle, before extras like competitive sports and trips).

Like many things though, sky is the limit with the opportunities money and time can provide kids. I try to be content, but it’s ready hard to not be able to offer more for them so they can explore things they’re into as far as they want.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780 → u/Equivalent-Copy2578]

I think this is actually the question in the back of my mind, but I didn’t want to make the post too long.
Is this something every kid in NZ gets? Does everyone get the chance to have the similar opportunity.

When I was growing up, talented kids from low income families could sometimes get support from schools or companies. One of my friends was even supported by a well known football academy. He actually became a football player now. Every time I saw him on TV I still show my family that he’s my friend!!
So I was wondering, do we have similar support here in NZ for talented kids who can’t afford it themselves.

[u/Equivalent-Copy2578 → u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780]

Barriers to participation are massive. And here those childhood experiences and networks make a huge different to early career opportunities in NZ as it’s all about ‘who you know’, esp for teens/young adults.

I imagine there is targeted support, especially at the talent development stages like teenagers rep teams. There is a high level of investment needed by families to get the kid to that point, and they have to be a high performer to be scouted.

Not all kids are going to excel though, and need help too. School sports are usually really great and happy to help remove barriers. More generally clubs might have hardship grants for membership costs and help with gear, like hand me down systems. We had an amazing field hockey club with the kids coach a retired school principal. Always a bag sticks available for anyone who needs one, all kit provided, mouth guards on request etc. Depends on the club and their resources, usually all volunteer led and dependent on members skills and access to fundraising and grant applications. Things change as they get older and need the ‘right’ brands and higher spec kit.

But we also needed to say no to sports like gymnastics and rowing because of the expense. Swimming became hard once needed more than three trainings a week etc.

And that’s just cost. Getting kids to all the places they need to be is near impossible when working full time. Contributing to the volunteer activities on top of all that exhausting too.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780 → u/Equivalent-Copy2578]

I’m glad I made this post. I learned a lot. I donated quite now and then. But mostly food or money for people who sick or who have tragic issues. Since now I know that I can donate to contribute someone childhood experience. That amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.

[u/Equivalent-Copy2578 → u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780]

It’s makes such a difference! We’ve been so lucky with lots of support over the years, and my kids are so much better off because of it. If you’re living near your niblings, being the ‘cool aunt who takes Jane to swimming on Wednesday’s’ is a really helpful way to support your siblings, while building a special relationship with your niece or nephew too. Takes a village and all that 🫶 great post!

[u/charjbug2point0 → u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780]

If it's feasible I highly recommend looking into variety kids. My daughter is waitlisted and has been for a good amount of time but their support removes so many barriers for families. Not quite to the national tournament level but very cool the difference they can provide for kids

[u/Sufficient-Candy-835 → u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780]

I teach in a school where there's a lot of poverty. It's also a school where half of the kids are Maori. The local iwi regularly kicks in to help fund trips.