Having to keep my shoes on to avoid showing holes in my socks

[Glasgiw]

This time of year reminds me of when I was in my teens. We went to a friends house, it was a New Year’s Eve party. I realised too late that I’d need to take my shoes off but I had terrible holes in my socks. So I said I had to keep my shoes on. Embarrassing, not sure if people guessed why. Other times I’d pretend I’d eaten to avoid spending on food. Anyone else been through things like this?

When I was at school I cut cardboard insoles from a cereal packet to put in my shoes whose soles were so thin that I could feel every stone I walked on. And I was the teacher!

This thread is heartbreaking and makes me extremely appreciative for the privileged position I am in.

But also extremely guilty that my DS will never know of these things while at the same time there are probably children in his classes who know who them all too well.

It's just so so wrong.

I also remember that. Things are different now where children cannot be left out of class trips whether their parents have paid or not. I’m only in my 30’s but when I was in school if you didn’t pay you didn’t go. I KNEW my parents wouldn’t pay for me to the point that I wouldn’t even bother giving them the letters or telling them about it. In primary school I was put with another class for the day. In secondary school they didn’t know what to do with me for one trip, so they stuck me in the isolation room with the naughty kids!! Absolute arseholes.

This is a sad read, I am so sorry you guys went through this.

We also went through some hardship where my family didn't have much at all. But my parents always made sure we were dressed well whatever the circumstances. That was one thing they would never compromise on. I am exactly the same with my kids.

Oh yes, I recall doing that too. I used to put plastic bags inside my shoes too to keep my feet dry.

My mum was a young single parent. She was 17 when I was born and later trained as a nurse, but we never had any money. I remember living on boiled eggs and ketchup sandwiches.

i had a friend whose parents owned the local grocery shop. One hot summer, she suggested we all clubbed together for a picnic. We all had to go home and regroup with whatever food our parents would allow us to take. We didn’t have any food so I had to take some paper towels as a contribution (‘napkins’). I was so embarrassed and I can still see the way the other kids looked at me.

when I started my periods, she couldn’t afford sanitary towels so she used to bring home maternity pads from the hospital where she worked and I had to use those. They were huge and I felt really embarrassed in them. I never had clothes apart from my school uniform, which meant I couldn’t join in with any social activities outside school.

I always wanted a pair of boots and a coat. As an adult I’m quite fixated on boots and own several pairs.

Ive worked hard and my children have very different lives. If you met me, you’d think I was very privileged. Never judge a book!