To think that working is impossible for another 12 months at least?

[Marmaladedandelions]

I am pregnant and have a 1 year old. I have no husband or support. I won't earn enough to cover childcare costs.

I'm not being unreasonable, am I? This is one of the few times when I really wish I was!

You'll get tax credits though, to cover childcare. Do you work now?

No, don't work now.

What kind of work would you do? I think it hinges on how much you would earn and what type of shifts you would need to work.

I don't think I'd be able to earn much. There's supply teaching but it doesn't appeal at ALL. I mainly want to meet some other people.

Go do an online benefits checker. You'll be amazed. If you are a teacher you will definitely be better off working, even part time.

Is the father of your children not contributing?

But it's dependent on having regular work, is the thing. Plus, I don't really think I want to teach? I just haven't got the confidence at this stage.

You could earn enough to cover child care along with tax credits and allocated free hours. I did it on my own with two. If you don't want to work, well that's different to not feeling able to work.

Yes, yes he's contributing.

Pregnancy a surprise then?

Why only supply teaching? Much easier to arrange childcare round a permanent job.

Where is the partner of your unborn child? Is it the same as your other child?

I'm not trying to call your morals into question or anything, just to know whether you have a partner to rely on. If separated, are you getting money for child costs from the father? How often does the father have custody of the child (if you're separated?)

How far along are you with the pregnancy?

Basically your question is absolutely impossible to answer when you have given so little information.

Well, the tax credits situation is a bit difficult due to property/savings - it's not as straightforward as being able to claim. I definitely want to work but it's for confidence/meeting people rather than finances, if you see what I mean, but at the same time I don't want to lose money!

Rose but getting one might be tricky as I am pregnant and haven't taught for a while.

Yes, I have the same father for all my children. I do get money from him yes. I am due late July.

Im much better off working than on benefits, £175 a week better off working part time and i still get a bit help with rent as well. Tax credits help towards nursery fees

I think a year off is quite reasonable, lots of mums take the first year off after a baby's born regardless of whether dad is around. Ease yourself in and as long as you can afford it, enjoy the time.

Do you have older children too?

Yes, have one school aged child too.

You could volunteer at a play group, so you're meeting people but don't need child care, and it's within school hours.

I'd still need care for the babies though

I think it's going to depend on your long term plans tbh.

It may be you need to pay Childcare. Is that worth is for the experience you will get for the long term and the company for the short?

It would be for me, but you might be happier at home with the babies and if you are the poster I am thinking of, you can probably afford that, so it's up to you. But you definitely COULD work.

Some flexible ideas:
tutoring from home in the afternoons / evenings?

Ironing / mending / sewing?

Ebay reselling? Specialise in a niche area and trawl charity shops / car boots etc.

Pet sitting?

Baby massage / yoga (after training)

But right now I mean? I just want to feel I'm doing something productive.

So if you choose not to work then surely you need to use your savings?

I doubt childcare tax credits would completely cover FT childcare for two babies.