Letter: Parenthood is good value

Sir: Your feature about the cost of child-rearing ("Got a spare pounds 100,000?", 3 July) showed a depressing ability to count the cost of everything while understanding the value of nothing. For example, you entirely ignored the thriving business in second-hand equipment and clothes which dramatically helps many parents all over the country.

Of course being a parent is expensive. But please question the myth that good parents need to spend, spend, spend. The important demand on parents isn't money, but their time. That's the real impact on lifestyle. And the dividends are excellent.

Perhaps there should be a health warning to articles like yours: Children may affect your wealth - and having less money can seriously enrich your life.

ANDREW PARKINSON

Chudleigh, Devon