Parenting on a low income

We are made to feel as parents, that we fail no matter what we choose. This is more a social change in how much is expected of us. Years ago, you would have been expected to keep your children fed, warm and a roof over their head. Nowadays, we have to make sure we can afford the latest shoes , bags and coats. That far exceed the amounts we find acceptable to pay. But peer pressure means we are forced in to buying them, to keep our children socially accepted.

Or do we?  Is it not merely the fact that children are more apt at making us feel like parenting failures since we have become more conscious of active parenting?

I really did not have any paid hobbies that lasted. Mainly because my mother was too worried about paying for the food, electric and mortgage etc. When did things change to the point that we now have to worry about finding money for horse riding lessons, swimming lessons, Brownies or scouts?

With the economical change we are in. We need to collectively join as parents and say enough is enough. We want practical and quality clothing over frail made fashion clothing. We need reasonably priced hobbies. Why should parents pay for the latest Play station 3 games , when books are a far better education and cheaper.

Do not feel you have to provide ridiculous non essentials. The pressure is not worth trying to keep up. Teach your child to deal with money and save for things. Spend time in the park instead of shoving them in front of a game station.

So , what can we do about this?

I think we should all start realising that the amount of money you throw at your children , whether you can afford it or not. Does not make a good parent.

Start introducing cheaper hobbies for your children. Show them where their local library is, where you can take books out to borrow.

Support your local wildlife trusts by taking children to walk around lakes and parks.

Make them wear clothes that are durable , and not useless items of flimsy clothing. Non labeled clothes are far cheaper. Or buy second hand. Somewhere like ebay.com. Or charity shops.

Eat together and have a proper balanced meal. This way the children get their vegetables and you get to make a meal cheaper.

Shop around. Do not buy stuff for them the first place they see something. I may not be the cheapest for that item.

Reduce how often they get sweets from the shop on their way home from school. They will only blame you for weight issues later in life.