LONG ISLAND, N.Y. _ So your child likes soccer. REALLY likes soccer. Or dance. Or robotics. Or cello. It's great that they have a passion, right? But how far are you willing to take it? Are you ready to invest thousands of dollars a year and give up your weekends for them to participate at a more competitive level?
Nearly two-thirds of parents _ 64% _ are stressed about paying for their child's competitive activities, according to a recent survey by CompareCards, a division of the Lending Tree financial service company. "It's something that parents are thinking about and talking about around the country because it's a lot of money," says Matt Schulz, chief industry analyst for CompareCards.
Four Long Island families talk about what it costs in time and money to go hard _ and what the payoff is for the kids. Not sure you want to go that route? We highlight some less demanding alternatives.
