I can't pay my gas bill and I've just been given money for DCs

[Buddleja]

So an uncle of my DH's was over visiting and on leaving he gave me 50 'to get something for the children'

Yesterday I got a gas bill that we're going to struggle to pay (and it'a already in arrears)

Would you pay off the gas bill and say nothing to anyone about the money or would you 'fess up?

Pay the bill and say nothing.
You are getting you DCs something -you are getting heat and hot water .

Spend it on the gas bill

Ack -typing with one finger

You are getting your Dcs something - you are getting them heat and hot water.

No brainer to me. Pay the bill. I have done this with birthday money when things were hard

Use the money for the gas bill. I have done this in the past and would have no hesitation doing it in the future if I had to.

Use it for the bill.

When you have some spare cash in the future buy your DCs something then.

pay the bill. Maybe if you have some extra cash at a later stage you can treat the dc

Pay the bill. I'm sure DH's uncle would rather you had hot water than a piece of plastic tat.

Bills first, plastic tat last

Pay the bill and don't tell DC's.

You can always get them something when you're a bit better off if it bothers you, though it shouldn't.

I once borrowed back DD's tooth fairy money when things were really bad.

Pay the bill, DS's uncle would rather they were warm, clean and were able to have hot food then have plastic tat (crackfox is right)

I'd say pay the bill too.......more important than getting more toys etc.
You can get them a treat when things aren't so tight

Pay the bill - it's not as if you're spending the DC's on yourself. The whole family needs heat and hot water.

If possible, I'd probably try and put a little bit aside later and buy the DCs something then.

Thanks

Now have a clear concious

or a clear conscious even!

Use most say £40 for gas bill and take them out for a small treat would be my advice

Absolutely pay the bill. I'm sure most people have been in a similar situation, even if it's raiding the children's money box to scrape together enough change for the window cleaner. I still owe the kids for that, actually...

Also, I often think family give these bits of cash 'for the children' knowing it will be better used for something more practical.

Pay the bill, kids benefit from heating, don't they?!

We've done this more times than we care to admit. We pay it back when we have the money.

Pay the bill and stick an IOU in their piggy bank (or somewhere else if they are old enough to see it and pester you for recompense!). Don't give it a second thought.

This is how we have done it in similar circumstances, we tell the DCs that they have insdeed received money from a family member who loves them, explain to them that at the moment this money is needed for things more important than toys and it will be returned back to them as soon as possible. This way the children know someone has thought of them, they learn about priorities and patience. But, you HAVE to give them the money back at some point (even bit by bit or much later) or get them something of the same value when you can afford it.

pay the bill, I am sure if your uncle knew you were struggling he would have given you the money for the bill rather than for toys. I would do it without the blink of an eye, the kids need water and heat.

I would definitely pay the bill and I wouldn't feel at all guilty, nor would I feel I 'owed' the money to my DC at a later point. I am responsible for feeding and clothing them and keeping them warm and dry. Those are always my first priorities. Toys/fun are an optional extra as and when we can afford them.