It's no secret that having kids can be expensive - there's just so much to pay for.
And when it comes time for them to start school, things get even pricier, with new uniforms, lunches, pencil cases and school trips to pay for.
So when her children recently came home from their nursery and school asking for more money, it's fair to say one parent was left feeling rather ticked off.
Sharing her story anonymously online, the mum explained that the school's PTA (parent-teacher association) had sent the kids home with a tube of Smarties each.
The children were instructed to eat the sweets and then fill the tube up with £12 in either £1 coins or 20 pence pieces.
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Writing in a post on Mumsnet, the woman asked if she was being "unreasonable" to not want to do it.
She said: "Both children came home from school and nursery today with a tube of smarties each as a gift from the PTA with instructions to eat them and fill the tube with £1 coins or 20p, letter specifically states not coppers or 5/10ps. Apparently, the tube will hold £12 of 20pences.
"There will be a prize for the class who brings back the most money."
The mum-of-two goes on to say that she has a few issues with the fundraising plan - including that the PTA didn't consult parents on the plan before going ahead with it, her children didn't need the extra chocolate and that her family are "skint" due to the cost of childcare.
"Partner and I both work but childcare and other costs are crippling us at the moment and we're skint, an extra £24 is really beyond us just now," she explained, as she listed reasons why she was against the idea.
"We've just paid £46 snack money to nursery and £12 for a school trip for one and £8 for a trip for another (amongst lots of other recent school costs).
"Does anyone even have coins lying around the house anymore? I use contactless payment for almost everything and don't draw out cash."
The parent added that she now feels guilty as her children feel they "need" to raise money for the school.
"The children have been hyped up about it and both have said they need to raise money for the school. I guess I'm feeling guilty that we're not in a position to participate/it's a pain in the a**e idea."
More than 400 people responded to the post, with many agreeing it was a "cheeky" thing for the PTA/school to do.
One person said: "A prize for whoever brings back the most money! Given how many children are living in poverty in the UK currently, this is a really grim exercise. I know that schools are short on cash, but this just seems cruel!"
Another replied: "It's a bad idea for fundraising. It's too much money per child/family and the competition aspect pits too much pressure on people to take part. The 'not 10p' bit is bloody cheeky!"
A third wrote: "It's a shame that schools are being driven to this. It makes me so annoyed.
"You don't have a choice but to ignore it. Or stick a couple of quid on top of pennies if you feel you must."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
