To be really upset to read on MN

[shootingstarz]

That parents are going without food because they can?t afford to feed their kids.

Reading what people have written on this thread has made me think how wasteful I am I spend far too much on food, clothes and silly things. I?m going to cut my food bill down dramatically, stop throwing away food, give all my clothes that us just sitting in boxes away, and try to help others as much as I can.
I have lots of school uniform, kids clothes and Adult size 10 clothes if anyone wants it PM me and I will try to get it to you.

That's true lesley however if you read this thread one of the things that a lot of people want is for the insults to stop. That won't cost anyone a single penny.

Oops I mean the other thread.

Second's Hecuba. It costs absolutely nothing to not add insults to injury.

I don't want anyone to feel guilty, I'm genuinely glad for everyone who's doing well, all I want from people on here is to be able to be an equal human being regardless of my circumstances and not have to lie or constantly hide facts, to be treated as such.

Hear, hear, JGOWI!

I don't know what to say. I am astounded by people who think they are skint because their car is 5 years old or they can't afford a holiday. We are very comfortable and I am very aware and thankful. People think we are "suffering" because we can't afford holidays abroad . Skint is when you can't afford to feed your family. I'm ashamed this happens in the UK. I'm ashamed I didn't realise.

Back in the late 1990s when DH and i were unemployed we only had one meal a day and that was the evening meal. Interestingly we both put ON a lot of weight back then (been corrected now) and my GP told me at the time that it was because we werent eating enough so our bodies went into starvation mode and whenever we did eat our bodies stored it as fat because our bodies didnt know when we would be eating again.

Hang in there Bumble if you are earning 60K between you things will be better once you aren't paying so much on childcare.

When I was a child, I remember a series of educational programmes for children on the BBC, which were basically "How awful life used to be, and what we must never go back to".

At some point, pre-welfare state, early 20th century, families who were starving would apply to organizations (possibly private charities/possibly the government) for help. The assessor would come round to the slum, and say, "There's five of you. Why have you got 6 chairs? Sell the spare. You have a spare plate. Sell that." And so on. The application would be turned down.

Looks like we're going back to that.

bumble I hear you. dh earns a decent wage but we have been a 1 income family for 9 years as I am a sahm (ds1 has sen) and ds2 does not start school til next sept.

Dh and I dont drink, dont smoke, no take aways, no going out, my mum bought me my winter coat as she was "ashamed" of my wearing one of dhs old ones!!

My kids are always well turned out but I get their jeans/trousers/coats from ebay and pjs and undies from asda/matalan and the like. Thank goodness for asda cheapo pants!!!
I literally cannot remember when I last bought myself clothes....my summer clothes are 3 years old at least.
I have 1 pair of winter shoes, 1 pair of crocs and 1 pair of boots. All I need really.
I dye my own hair (went grey at 17!!!) and get it cut as infrequently as I can (i.e. when I start to look like a scarecrow I get it cut)

We are lucky in that I own my car but the prices of fuel are so eyewatering now I am really cutting down...walking where I can etc.

Its nothing compared to what others are going through obviously but when even people on good salaries/wages are struggling/having to really cut down it should be a big wake up call for the govt!

I have some boys clothes age 2-3 (trousers/jeans/tops and a lovely winter coat) if anyone wants them please PM me.

I've been thinking about it. When we had some disposable cash I never really went out. I've always been a stay at home person rather than a party animal. Yet now, it gets me down that I can't go out as it is no longer really a choice. If hypothetically we ever had money again I doubt I would be going out. Funny how the mind works isn't it?

Has anyo0ne suggested yet that the OP shunt off to Netmums? The have a fluff swear filter and moderators who will be happy to jump in for you if anyone is telling you to shut the fuck up because you're being a twunt giving you a piece of thier minds.

Id rather feed DD than see myself eating. In fact i did it at lunch yesteday. Tbf i wasnt hungry anyway but looking in the cupboards & fridge & seeing there was only enough for 1 cheese toastie - i made it for DD. A cuppa tea filled me.

What do you have against the OP autumn?

I'm just being blaze about the concern for swearing but really, netmums is the place to go if you have a genuine problem with foul language.

Er, Autumn I think you're on the wrong thread?

indeed I am. Sorry OP, I'll just shuffle off back to bed.

Autumnsummers I started the thread. I have no idea what you are talking about I?ve not mentioned swearing once, I think you are confused.

Like I said, I made a reply to the wrong thread. There was one about swearing which I (thought) I was replying to.

No problem I replied before I saw your comment

Sorry again. DD1 switched tabs on me. That's what I get for trying to simultaniously reply to two threads while making waffles and trying to watch Angel!

can i just say that aside from some of the downright ignorant and contemtuous comments from some posters on this thread, i would jsut like to say how much generousity others have. there have been offers of clothes, links to helpful websites, and one poster has even PM's me personally with an amazingy generous offer of help. i personally very mucha appreciate these offers an it gives me hope that those can will help those that need it. it is heartening when we see so many of the "how come you have internet" comments.

I have read this thread and the other one and just wanted to offer, to anyone in the Stoke-on-Trent/City area, if you don't drive and rely on public transport, I'd be happy to pick you up (with DC) and you can come with me to Tesco/Morrisons/Aldi to get your food shopping done. I tend to alternate between the supermarkets (to get better deals)

Having read the threads, I can totally see why some people haven't got a car because of the cost of running one (I currently have a Company car but may not have it soon as on maternity leave and may not return to same position) but how by not having one can really limit the 'bulky' buys and where to shop too - knowing that you have to get yourself, DC(s) and shopping back on a bus or pay over the odds for a taxi.

Therefore, I'd be happy to help if that is of any use to any MNer reading or posting on this thread. Sorry if this sounds patronizing, it is a genuine offer so please PM me.

(have name changed btw but MNer for a while!)