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Wow, who'd have thought it would be so hard?

Natalie - posted on 04/06/2010 ( 3 moms have responded )

3

37

As a single mother, and the ailing economy, things in my household have gotten really difficult, Peter and Paul are robbed out. I have had to face numerous obstacles and don't qualify for any assistance because my salary is just above the income necessary. I am just a little down and wonder how other moms are doing it. I have one son, who is 11 and is the light of my life. I have been on my own with him his entire life with little help from his dad even though he is court ordered for child support. I lost my best friend 3 years ago and my family is not helpful or not concerned. Just need someone who understands to share their stories...so I won't feel so alone.

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Trena - posted on 04/07/2010

10

4

I'm a single mom of an 18 month old. I am in the same boat as far as assistance, and I have been a court battle with the "sperm doner" which hasnt been cheap. I have been working hard and raising my daughter which doesnt leave a lot of time for myself, for pedicures OR dating. Some days I feel I will be alone forever, and I dont know what my future holds....then, other days are good. I have a supportive family and I dont know where I would be without them. Some nights I feel so beat up, others nights are good. I just hold out for those good days!

Jennifer - posted on 04/07/2010

6

40

I have been/am occasionally in the same situation. I am sure there are a lot of single moms who can relate. I currently am working but get paid 2x a month and lets just say that some months are REALLY bad. I make JUST above what they consider worthy of help (daycare assistance/utility assistance etc). I downsized when things got really bad (after kicking my now ex husband out of the house for cheating) before I found this job. Got rid of Cable and just had an antenna for "normal" channels. I rented movies from the library. Only had my cell phone and got rid of the home phone. I would bulk /bargain shop for groceries and make a big meal that would last a couple days. Prepare a head of time before going shopping and go with coupons and a list. Buy food that needs preparing instead of fast "junk" stuff. Fruits from the fruit market instead of the grocery store. My ex husband works on and off (union) and the only time I see a dime is when he's unemployed because the state automatically takes it out. Try signing up for things such as freecycle where people offer free items (I got my daughters bedroom set for free) and you can request things you need. Stay positive. I know it can be hard.

Nicole - posted on 04/07/2010

100

9

Natalie, I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I have a son who will be two in july. I have made it this far only from support from my parents. My dad passed away last week and my family has been torn to shreds. I do have assistance with childcare and housing and am living on my tax money at this time. I can't imagine not getting any assistance. Then again, I do make really pitiful money...even with a Bachelor's degree!



Anyway, you are not alone in the least! It's tough. Without my parents, I don't think I would have survived this long and now without my dad, I don't know where my future lies. I don't know if you're in a big or small city, but sometimes in bigger cities, you can find other single moms and double up on housing. Just a thought. I wish you the best of luck though!

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