Joined: 11 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 8381 Gender: Female
Posted: 31 March 2008 at 7:32pm | IP Logged
Wow Lynie, sounds really tiring but as we all know anything that tiring etc is well worth it when it comes to our children! I was a sahm with my older 3 more because I couldn't drive than through choice, however this time round I quit my job when I was pregnant with Fred. I knew the nearest decent child care was 13 miles away, whereas my job would be about 6 miles down the road. I'm hoping that when the babies go to school, unless my book's are really taking off, then I will be getting myself a part time job. Until then I would rather be the one looking after my kids, and hope you manage to find something you want, or that parenting, really does become your energy at least while the little ones are small! tc xxxxx
Joined: 11 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 5766 Gender: Female
Posted: 31 March 2008 at 8:19pm | IP Logged
I totally agree with everything you have said Lynie. When Keith was made redundant 3 years ago (yes that long ago can't believe it) I took the decision to return to work, even though at the time I was on a low income it was better than living off the government. We did get working tax credit which was helpful at the time. But we also decided that we only wanted one of us to work and the other to stay at home with Ollie. Having been bought up as a latch key kid and so was Keith that isn't what we wanted. Keith might be able to work in the future possibly part time once Ollie goes to school but at present due to his health he can not work. Like you say the formative years don't last very long. I can't believe Hayley is 19 years old now it certainly doesn't feel that long ago that I had her, I can still remember every contraction and the moment that I first saw her like yesterday. Some things are more important than earning more money, we have enough to pay the rent, bills and eat and I would prefer to put the time and energy into raising our son.
Joined: 12 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 8737 Gender: Female
Posted: 06 April 2008 at 2:52pm | IP Logged
I agree with you too, Lynie - WTC/TCs are aimed at lower income families, which by default often mean single families and it seems unfair that the average two parent families lose out. Nursery fees are so expensive (mine have just gone up again, but my pay rise barely covers it (but that's another story). It's ridiculous, my pay does not reflect the raise in inflation at all!
What I was trying to say (but didn't say too well - lol) was that as a single parent I could claim so many benefits off the state, but choose to work to provide for my kids instead. Therefore, I'm putting into the economy instead of out of it, and it gives me some independence and something else to do with my brain, which often goes to mush.
This is not meant to offend any sahms - I did it for 2 years and found it really hard - I had to have something else. I admire sahms. It's funny because I find work a doogle in comparison, and treat that as my break! lololol
However, my salary is less than the fees - but I do get help with that for which I'm grateful for hence the WTCs.
Max starts school this September, and I will have to be reassessed. Like I say my pay rise was minimal (2.5%) and I have no idea how much it'll cost for a Childminder to pick him up from school for 5 days a week, and furthermore if I can afford it.
It's like a juggling act, and I have no experience with budgeting, but am learning as I go along...
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Topic: baby nursery places
