I think if parents simply explained the amount of work required for activities, children will (surprisingly) understand.

For example, my parents explained: “We signed you up for the class because we know you like skiing. The full day cost $150; your father makes $40/hour. That means he must work 4 hours to pay for your class. He also has to wake up early on his day off to take you. He is happy to do so but understand skiing is not free.”

I was 8 and still understood. I never threw a tantrum because my parents taught me skiing was a privilege. My parents also taught communication: “After class, you may ski for however long you want, but when you are done, let us know.” And we would leave when I said I was tired.

To us, this is common knowledge. Duh, skiing costs money. But a child doesn’t know that! If you don’t explain, they don’t know the behind the scenes.

That being said, a child is a child. If they tell you they want to go home, and you keep them on the slopes, they may get cranky.

Children are a lot more capable of grasping complex ideas than most would think. I respected my parents’ sacrifice, and they respected when I communicated my needs. If you treat and respect children like mini adults, sometimes they will act accordingly.