Easing the Pain

By Brendan Peacock

Now is the time for parents to consider saving for their children's education - even if the baby hasn't yet been born, writes Brendan Peacock 

Parents of school children know that yearly increases in school fees outstrip inflation. In fact, Stats SA figures show that inflation in education has overtaken the general consumer price index by 3% over the last decade, and 4% on average over the last two years. With the cost of education rising at around 10% a year - which probably tops any pay increase the average salary earner will receive - it makes sense to find the smartest way to get the necessary together.

The Old Mutual Savings Monitor found at the end of 2010 that 54% of working-class parents in metropolitan areas claimed to be saving for their children's education and 32% said they had a formal education policy.

Carmen has a son about to begin a BSc in engineering at Wits, and a daughter in primary school. Carmen paid the 2011 fees for her daughter upfront to earn the 15% discount applicable at the primary school. She paid R8457.50 excluding the cost of workbooks, textbooks, uniforms, sports equipment, transport and school trips. And then there's the after-school care of R890 a month - already discounted by 10% for paying at the beginning of the year.

Luckily, Carmen's son won a partial scholarship from a company for two years of the four-year BSc degree - the first year of which costs R26020 to R31930, depending on specialisation. Again, this excludes books and equipment. 

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It's a sure sign that your child is growing up when they embark on their first romantic relationship. And though your tween or teen is taking another step toward adulthood, they may not be emotionally prepared for the ups and downs of their first love (which is commonly followed by their first break-up).

Research published in the journal Child Development shows that teens' choice of romantic partner as early as middle school has long-term effects on their emotional and social health.

Despite the fact that teen dating is dramatically different today than it was in decades ago (with Facebook, teen sexting and widespread promiscuity), a study by Stephanie Madsen, associate professor of psychology at McDaniel College in Maryland, shows that teens value parental input and tend to have healthier relationships when they get advice from their parents.

Though you can't protect your child from a broken heart, you can help guide them through the maze of teen dating by following these suggestions:

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Click HERE to download a spreadsheet highlighting the costs of educating your child.

Is your troubled teenager normally off in one corner of the house alone? If you can hardly connect with your teen, you ought to consider rehashing the communication line between parent and child. Don’t waste any more time.

A hectic day at the office, along with your child’s extracurricular activities, may leave the two of you with hardly any time to touch base. And when you happen to touch base, this may end up in petty fights. Also, you could be trying to communicate with your child but they may not be responding.

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