Non-custodial parents often say they don't want to pay more child support because their ex-partners use it for themselves, not the kids. Whether or not this is true, I've heard it so often that I take it as Divorce Truth Number Fifty-Six. If you are holding back financial support for your kids due to the fact that your ex-spouse is a big spender, you may be hurting your kids by preventing them from getting the economic resources they need. If you are doing well financially, how can you use money for your children's benefit? How can you give money to be spent in a way that's somewhat under your control? Here are some suggestions.
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Pay for special equipment for sports or music activities.
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Take them shopping and buy necessities like clothing, shoes, and winter coats.
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Set up a trust fund for their education.
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Make sure they have medical coverage.
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When the children come to see you on the weekend, work on their schoolwork with them so you will be able to see what kinds of gifts would encourage their growth.
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Take them regularly on educational trips that the other parent can't afford.
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Send them to camp.
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