In a context where the cost of living is measured by price increases for food and services, there is an 'invisible basket' that marks the routine of thousands of households: extracurricular activities. According to a report by journalist Antonella Liborio for TN, parents spend between 20% and 40% of their income on these activities, which include fees, enrollments, transportation, and materials. As learned by the Argentine News Agency from that report, while INDEC calculates that raising a school-aged child costs $557,173 per month, this figure does not include key expenses such as languages, sports, dance, or tournaments. TN's survey in Buenos Aires shows the financial pressure on families. The conclusion is alarming: 'What is spent on these activities is almost another school fee.' For many families, the problem is no longer just the amount, but the frequency of increases, making it difficult for them to plan their budget. And for materials, year-end attire, transportation, and school collections, another $100,000 is spent. 'Families feel that school is no longer enough and seek to complement their education,' TN noted. The impact of having to give up these activities is profound. Psychologist Florencia Alfie explained to the media that 'when parents can no longer offer the same as before, they feel they are failing' and for children 'it is a loss.' How do you tell them no? This phenomenon, where parents, like parrots, repeat that they don't make it to the end of the month but try to sustain these activities, has a strong social aspiration component, according to sociologist Carlos de Angelis. 'I have it marked in red.' Javier, a father of two, lives with it month by month: 'My daughter's skating fee increases every month on the 20th.' Analía, Julia's mother (13), admitted: 'I spend about $100,000 a month just on English and dance. With increases and enrollments, this month I will spend almost $200,000.' They lose a social role, a space for validation, and a part of their identity.
