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Feel like I am failing my family

4 replies

Scarlet2008 · 04/12/2019 17:53

So here goes, I suffered a breakdown some months ago and just recently trying to pick myself up. Due to my breakdown we have fallen into financial difficulty. We are struggling, with Bill's, food clothes and to top it off its Christmas, and my daughters 11th birthday just before. We haven't been able to buy anything. I am so worries and feel it is all my fault. I have let the house get in a mess. I am so sad, and unhappy not for me for my kids. I arnt sure I can pull this all around. I feel like a terrible mum/wife. I just want to cry. If anyone replays please be kind I am already very low in mood. Heartbroken mum

OP posts:
TDL2016 · 05/12/2019 14:45

Don’t feel like a failure, you’re trying to sort this out. This is the first step, I know mumsnet will be full of good advice.

Financially, there’s are lots of things you can do. Contact your lenders and ask for reduction in interest rates, lower monthly payments, contact your local debt charity, know your monthly budget and look at where you could be saving, just don’t bury your head in the sand when it comes to money.

When it comes to the house, set aside an hour and see what you can manage in that time. Maybe you can clear the kitchen work surfaces and run the hoover around; if your unsure how to go about getting that done, spend 5 mins writing a list and tick it all off as you go. If you can, get your 11 year old to help, even if it’s just with the list of things to do. Make sure your partner is on board and pulling their weight too. It’s a team effort. Looking after the house shouldn’t be all down to you.

With birthday presents and Christmas, all I can say is spend within your means. There’s no point in getting into more debt to put on a great big birthday and Christmas show, you’ll just feel worse off for it in the long run.

Good luck, you can do this, you’ve already taken the first step in getting your feelings off your chest, that must feel like a weight off, now is time for action.

Charles11 · 05/12/2019 14:53

You’re not terrible, you have been unwell and are trying to get things back together. I’m sure your kids will be happy to have you well and spend time with you.

It’s not nice being in a messy home so get everyone involved and see if you can all do 20 minutes a day and get the house sorted over the next week or so.

Contact all the people that you owe money to, explain the situation and make some nominal payments til you get back on your feet.

See if you can get referred to a local foodbank to ease things for the Christmas period.

Get your dd a cake and have pizza and a movie night. I’m
Sure she’s been aware of the situation and will understand that any presents will be delayed.

Take care of yourself.

Heartbrokenmum2019 · 06/12/2019 08:05

Thanks for the replys. I feel so sad about it all. I feel like running away but would never want to leave my children. I feel they would be better if I wasn't there as I am blamed which makes me feel worse as I know that it is my fault I should never have got I'll and into this mess but we are and feel so helpless

theneverendinglaundry · 06/12/2019 08:14

You're not terrible, as others have said you have been unwell and are trying to get back on track. These are the first steps which are always the hardest.

If everyone does some housework for 30 minutes you will notice a big difference.

If you are in financial difficulties and are in debt, please contact Stepchange, they are really amazing and non judgemental. They will help you to get things back on track.

Lists always help me. Write lists of things you would like to get done this week, next week, etc.

Take care and be kind to yourself xxx

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