No, we do have the freedom, but if you don’t want to make the sacrifices to make it happen, don’t blame anyone else.
Regarding that “second income,” all too often, the second income earner is working at a loss, especially if they are working for low wages. After taxes, clothing expenses, higher food expenses (like it or not, when both people work, they’re more likely to eat out), higher transportation costs (gas, insurance, accelerated maintenance, accelerated car purchases, etc.), childcare expenses, etc…so many people are actually working for negative earnings, especially among those who are working for low wages to begin with.
And you need to re-check those numbers on private vs public schools. Most private schools that are equal to or better than comparable public schools cost more, not less. The reason public schools appear to cost more per capita is because they educate, feed, and care for the most expensive students (special education/learning disabled, socially/economically disadvantaged, ESL, etc.) and have far more resources than private schools do, especially for these students. Public schools also have more qualified teachers, on average, than private schools.
Good schools are good because of the parents whose children attend those schools. The parents have the greatest impact on how students (and schools) perform. If you want your kids to do well, nurture their curiosity and interests, read to them, take them to museums, talk to them about a variety of topics, etc. That is the #1 way to make a difference in your child’s life…and it’s all free, or nearly so.
Oh, and get them the hell away from those electronic babysitters!
