"This is the other thing: we make the cost of raising kids higher than it has to be just because we feel they need all this stuff, like gadgets, certain schools, and activities that are nice but aren't really necessary"

In the quote by Patricia Heaton, she addresses a social pattern in the contemporary context of raising kids, where there's an implicit focus on materialism and the viewed need of providing kids with a myriad of products and experiences. Heaton inspects the societal pressures that force parents to buy many commodities and services, beyond standard needs, under the belief that these are vital for their kids's development and future success.

The phrase "we make the cost of raising kids higher than it has to be" shows that the financial concern placed on moms and dads is frequently self-imposed and culturally driven, rather than a requirement for supporting proficient and well-rounded individuals. Heaton suggests that the intensifying costs related to child-rearing are not solely due to financial factors or natural inflation but are significantly influenced by collective societal beliefs and values.

When Heaton points out "devices, certain schools, and activities that are good but aren't actually essential", she highlights particular areas where parents may be overspending. The term "gizmos" may refer to the proliferation of innovation and contemporary electronic gadgets thought about important for a kid's education and home entertainment. Meanwhile, "certain schools" and extracurricular "activities" could represent that moms and dads frequently focus on expensive education alternatives and varied skill-building programs to secure competitive benefits for their kids.

Heaton's reflection might be seen as a critique of consumerism and competitiveness in child-rearing practices, provoking a reevaluation of what is truly needed for a child's growth. She challenges the prevailing assumption that more costs relates to better parental care, prompting moms and dads to consider the value of a child's experiences and emotional health over product belongings and expensive educational paths. Ultimately, Heaton's perspective welcomes a shift towards a more intentional, streamlined approach to parenting, focusing on supporting relationships and core values instead of complying with external expectations.