To borrow from my children's savings accounts?

[Ladymarmaladeandjam]

Things have been particularly tight at the moment. We have family members who pop money in the children's accounts at birthdays/Christmas time.

As I'm currently unable to work in the short term, we have borrowed some of this money and used it for essentials for the children. Once I am working again, the money will be replaced and added to by myself and my husband.

I feel so guilty about the whole scenario.

I should point out (in fairness) that whilst we were very, very skint back in the day we were never at the point where there was no food in the cupboard.

We had lots of times where we were very strapped for cash but I made my own clothes back then (would never do that now!), knitted baby things, bought second hand everything, and actually never went out!

We've done this too - and not for essentials. A couple of times we've borrowed large chunks and set up a direct debit to pay it back monthly. What you're doing is fine op.

When my dad lost his job in the late 70s, my parents borrowed all my savings (£10ish) to buy essentials for me (&sisters). I got the money back as premium bonds when he got another job, & 15 years later won 2 × £50 prizes

Somehow I just know I'm going to get roasted for the above.

To add in my defence.

We had :-

Second hand pram
Second hand carry cot
Second hand Moses basket
Lots of second hand baby grows, vests etc.
Second hand toys, walkers, bouncy chairs.

I think the only brand new item we had was the actual cot and mattress.

Salmotrutta I don't see anything that will get you roasted

Thank you for responding, but you didn't really answer my question.

Let's say that you have £50 to last you until payday, in ten days' time. You need that money for groceries and fuel, but your child comes home having split their school shoes and urgently needs a new pair. Would you use an overdraft / credit card / payday loan before borrowing from your children?

They are members of the family and if the family is in financial difficulties then they should contribute towards solving those difficulties. I cannot see any ethical dimension to this.