Argh! So stressed, worried I am going to damage my DD emotionally :(

They don't make grants any more but there is a really useful list on that page.

Yes I wanted to say this as well.

I have no advice for the rest of it, but you're absolutely brilliant for doing all of that at short notice. What a warrior.

Grants | Education Support https://share.google/66fPRYzDrZrhkLIGz

Aside from all the previous helpful suggestions to help yourself, to protect your DDs emotional and mental health, you need to talk to her about it all. She needs to be able to express her own feelings about the move and she needs to understand why you're on the edge. And most importantly she needs to know and believe that she's not doing anything wrong to cause your distress. Kids always blame themselves and create their own stories to explain things they're not told. So give her more information to protect her from inventing incorrect things.

Not super long conversations, just things like
"this is really hard at the moment. It's ok if you feel sad or angry about it."
"do you want to talk about all the changes?"
"I'm sorry I'm getting angry so much, it's not your fault"
"I'm crying because I feel so busy, but I'm ok and in a few weeks all the busy jobs will be finished "

I dont really have any practical advice but I just want to say whay an incredible woman you are.

Going through this awful event yet still managing to carry on, sort things out and prepare for the future.

You wont damage your DD at all. The opposite. You are showing her that sometimes life throws you these awful curveballs and it can be hard but you continue and work towards the future.

Youre being an inspiration to her and you should be incredibly proud of yourself.

Just to say you're doing awesomely.

Id definitely get her to help pack where possible. Books, non breakables etc.

Definitely get balance app or calm app and stick them on at bed time. Or find a bore you to sleep soundtrack on YouTube!

Finally, have an early night with DD. Take hot choc to bed. Both get in yours. Chat about nothing. And then both go to sleep at the same time. My DD used to love that (and even now at 13 still climbs in on occasion for the same when needed).

You should be able to request phone appointments instead for UC. Make it very clear to them that you already have a job and it doesn't start until September, send them proof if necessary and it should keep them off your back. You'll unfortunately still probably have to have appointments but phone appointments should be a bit easier to manage.

You have a house and a new job. Try and focus on the positive and you will soon be moved in with a new fresh start to look forward to!

You are working your way through an incredibly hard season, but you have a light at the end of the tunnel and you know this isn't forever. As a fellow teacher, I'm sure if you think about some of the kids you teach, many will have come through similar (or far worse) situations and are ok 😊 As a parent, I think kids can understand more than we give them credit for and it's good to acknowledge to them that you are under a lot of stress, apologise when you screw up, make up, move on. Talk about her feelings in the same conversation, you're both human. Emphasise that things will be easier when you move and are settled. I hope you manage to work out the logistics, you sound so on it!

Hi OP, if you Google "your local authority name" plus "holiday food and activities" then you should find the local offer for universal credit. Also check out any churches that run holiday clubs.

I think you are doing really well and one day you will look back on this period and feel proud of yourself.

Some charities that may be worth trying:

Who We Help - Teaching Staff Trust https://share.google/4peOwz5gipzauDSEm

They are not away the whole six weeks. You have to also think about yourself and your daughter's social outlet. You don't want to be stuck in for the holidays and you will feel better. Life isn't perfect anything can happen. You need to remain positive you will find a new job. Try not to isolate yourself.

Wtf are you wittering on about? Every single thing this lady is doing is for her daughter. The child's needs have not been "pushed out" of anything, anywhere I can see.

OP you sound like a phenomenal mum. You are moving heaven and earth to ensure your DD has a roof over her head, a new school to go to. She has you and her grandad. She will make new friends. You are bossing this. She is so, so lucky to have you.

It's a complete kick in the teeth if the school closure means you have to forgo summer holiday pay. Nasty.
I wonder if you home insurance has any employment protection element which you might not have spotted, to plug the gap ?
Also are you unionised as a teacher? They do have discretionary hardship grants, and if you have been paying subs and intend to keep them up for your new job, I'd email them your situation, you could even copy and paste your own post, you've summed up your difficulty well. And enquire about hardship funds. You may likely be able to get a few hundred from this, your situation is so unfortunate.

You've got this.

Lots of lovely supportive messages, which is lovely to see op, and so true. Youre doing fine and this is very normal.

If it helps

I've spent the summer so far whinging about the heat, whinging about having to make endless amounts of food, whinging about the weather again, Laying naked in front of the fan, again sighing about the weather

I'm currently nude, munching on birds eye hot and spicy chicken, 'supervising' dd's screen time

I think dd is scarred for life! 😄😄😄

Youre a normal mum who is doing well, and dd won't hold a stressful period against you ❤️❤️

Off to give my dd a cupcake and a hug and tell her shes the best 😬😬😬😄

You sound pretty amazing frankly. Hang in there.

If you have any mum friends don’t be too proud to ask for help. I’d help a friend in this situation. It’s often easier as well to entertain two 6 year olds than one!!

Local church may run holiday play scheme or local sports centre.

I think it will help if you are honest in an age-appropriate way with DD, something like 'I'm sorry I'm shouty and I don't want to be. Moving house is a hard job for grown-ups to do because there's so much to remember and it always feels a little scary when things are changed' and then talk about looking forward to new home and school.

I think that's the important thing to hold onto - that you do have a new job and home and school to go to, so at least you are not moving in with parents or without a job.

Sorry for all the stress you're going through, but at least there is some certainty after this.

I use chatgpt as well. I can say everything that's on my mind and it helps me to make sense of the situation without going mad. We are going through a money slump and it's helped me to remain calm organise myself and be patient. No matter what you have to work through it until it gets better.

And with the job centre, if you tell them that it’s summer holidays and you have your child, you won’t have to go to the appointments. If you change your circumstance online, you might not have to attend any interviews at all and they can also be done on the phone during the holiday.

Moving/packing alone is a nightmare. I had to do it with a 6 year old and 7 year old whilst 5 month pregnant as my husband had been sent on a 3 month detachment just before we were due to relocate (2.5 hrs away) I had to organise removals, schools, midwives, Dr's and dentists and all the other adminthat goes with it. To say I was exhausted was an understatement, but I just kept thinking about the end game. The kids were actually very good at helping with packing, I'd get a box and they would hand me me things from their shelves, cupboards or drawers to pack so I could sit on stool. 😆

Just give yourself a big pat on the back for how far you've come. You've done amazingly well x

Wow, you actually are amazing. And just over a month, you’ve managed to turn things around. Your daughter will understand and when you are back on your feet, just treat her. Be open and honest with her about what you’re going through right now, but let her know that brighter days are coming and things will be back to normal. Stop being so hard on yourself you have done amazing.

From a very practical point of view do you still need to do job interviews if you can demonstrate that you have a job starting after the summer? I am sure I recall something about not being expected to do a job that is "less" than you are qualified for. So if you are qualified for a teaching post and have now secured one, can you remove that pressure? May be worth asking

You don’t need medication! You’re having a totally normal response to really difficult circumstances. You absolutely won’t damage your dd, you sound so lovely. I take it you don’t have helpful family as you say .any mum friends? Things will settle down and you’ll both get through this, can her dad help at all even stepping up more financially for a while? It’s so hard when everything is on your shoulders, it’s scary, I get that. I’m actually really sad at your post because it’s not fair.. you’re doing your best X

Is your main priority bills being paid if they are and you are able to put food on the table. Step back and allow yourself to breath the job will come don't be hard on yourself. It's not a great situation but you know there is nothing you can do until September when the schools open again.

Different stresses, but after my DM died, and DF spiralled and self medicated, and was dumping all his emotions on me, sertraline was also incredibly helpful.
It didn’t fix my issues, rather allowed me to cope with them calmly.

You are doing so well. Amazing.

breaking it down.

teachers are high demand. Is private where you must be? Is there anything local authority which is permanent and more secure.

everyone has a short fuse but the fact you are questioning it, follow the advice and get some medical help. You are not superwoman.

your DD will be ok so long as you are ok. That’s what to focus on.