I try to explain budgets and stuff to the children, so they can see why I don't buy stuff straight away and why they don't get to have all the treats some of their friends do.
I saw my youngest put a school letter into recycling. I asked what it was, and its for a weekend trip to the Urdd Centre (Urdd is a youth movement) in June of next year. I asked why he'd not shown it to me and he said it cost too much at £99.
So I told him the school had been very sensible in giving the letter out early, as it meant I now had a long time to pay, and that it wouldn't be a problem.
He took the deposit to school on Monday.
I feel bad as he wasn't going to tell me. I try to make sure they do partake in stuff. Scouts isn't cheap, and nor is the football, but I manage. They go to camps and we manage to do the trips.
It made me sad that he didn't ask.
He misses out on so much as it is. I used to play football and frisbee so much with them all, yet he was only 6 when things ground to a halt. I hate to think he feels he has to miss out on stuff.
No idea what I'm trying to say here, by the way. It's just going around in my head.
The Git won't help with anything, as he feels the CSA should cover it all (which would almost be a fair enough comment if he paid it! Although even then I don't agree that the CSA covers it all).
I do agree with what you say too. But the smile when I put the cheque in the envelope was the part that choked me up. The letter's on the board now, so he can see it going down. And, of course, ages until June to pay - well May probably.
Hope you're keeping ok Alison.
I seem to keep missing you, as I'm with my neighbour.
The school nurse should have been calling in this afternoon, but she's fast running out of time. I told her I'd be out after 3pm. She'll probably turn up at five minutes to! And I need to fit in another cup of tea for my neighbour!
Glad your son will have the chance to go on the trip. Are there any grants? you might be able to get it a bit cheaper if you ask the school?
Are your inlaws in a position to help you with anything moneywise, by the way? I am just asking because that's how my boys did trips etc, by writing to their grandparents
Sorry, but that comment about the CSA is totally ridiculous when he doesn't even pay it!!!!!!
My in-laws are really brilliant, to be fair. My father-in-law gave me £50 at the beginning of the holidays and another £50 towards the end as he knew I was spending a lot on fuel with the ledest and work.
There won't be a grant with this one (not that there's any help if it was a school trip) as it is with the Urdd. It's good that there's plenty of time to clear it though. It's not often the school is that thoughtful!
It was last summer (before the youngest broke his ankle) that I realised thta The Git had told the youngest that he doesn't have to pay for things as he doesn't live with us. So he has no problem with not being responsible for them. I did actually tell my son that as he is their father that he should be helping to pay for these things - naughty, I know.
School nurse cancelled again (third time now), and is coming next Wednesday. I'm not pleased.
Hiya.
This is totally not the same subject Sparkling and others, but last week, I was chatting to a mum at the school. She was saying she had taken bits of gold to a stall in local shopping centre. Any gold, one earring, broken stuff etc. Anyhow she walked away with £!00. Yesterday, I had a clear out of stuff that I don't wear, and broken things. I figured I would be lucky to walk away with £10. I took it this morning, and wait for it.................. I got £173. No kidding it was practically tat.
Anybody with anything, believe me, take it somewhere like this, you'd be surprised.
I went straight to the shops, and got my son a few things in for xmas. PJ's, dressing gown, Ben 10 coat, and paid a few little bills.
I'm still in shock. I've still got a bit left over to buy essential stuff. Yesterday, I had £2 in my purse to last until Monday, and I was out of nearly all food. Today, I feel my Mum and Dad are looking down on me.
Wow, Alisoncam, I keep seeing those adverts on the TV but I have never known anyone who has really sold their gold. I will be scrabbling round now through my old box. So glad you feel blessed :)
Hi sparkling lime
Ah I see about the trip now. Glad you do get some help from the ex-in laws anyway. So......if their dad had told them he doesn't have to pay for things, does this mean that they have asked him why he doesn't? heh heh
Woohoo alisoncam, how lovely and excellent thinking, getting those christmas pressies :)
I know how you feel sparklinglime, my daughter has done this before in junior school, it actually made me feel quite proud of her, but I did tell her it was my responsibility to work out what I could afford and she shouldn't worry about it. Although I agree with alisoncam that they probably do it because they don't want to hear 'no'
Hopefully all this means that in the future they will get good jobs and be frugal in their spendings and look after and provide for their children! So you are not going mega-wrong, so stop beating yourself up, ok? :D
That's kind of you, thank you.
They are lovey children, even if I do say so myself (my neighbour does too!)...
I want to get rid of the wedding rings. That's encouraging me Alison! There is a gold place in Bangor, I'm not sure if I can get to it though. Don't really fancy posting it.
Hi Sparkling
If you can, try and get there. I found an ankle chain, that I hadn't worn for years. Nothing I took was of sentimental value, although I did throw in a bangle that my sister had bought me years ago. I needed food etc, so I didn't think twice. Needs must and all that.
I gave my son his dressing gown last night. I know, I know. I shouldn't have, but he is always wearing mine!!!!!!!! The rest of the stuff is safely tucked away.
Hope you're having a good day.
Take care
Alison
x :)
I'll go through the jewellry box this weekend. I've got The Git's wedding ring too and a chain I bought him when we got engaged (he never wore them, and never asked if I had them :roll: ) I know there are some 'odd' earrings too after my mum. Other's I won't part with.
I'll take a double dose of everthing and try and get there next week!
I don't blame you for giving him the dressing gown - bet he loved it.
Hi Sparkling
You have such a sweet child. I think he was trying to spare you by throwing that letter away. He also probably didn't want to be told he couldn't go, and so saved you that way too, if that makes sense.
Won't his father help with the costs or don't you want to ask him? I guess the good thing is like you said, you've got time to put the money aside.
You are not going Mega Wrong. You are doing a great job.
Take care, and of course sending hugs your way. Don't be coy, put your arms out :lol:
Alison
x :)