To ask is is better to "struggle" financially when your kids are small?

[SkyRanger]

Hi all,

(Possibly outing)

Sorry for the weird title but wasn't sure how else to put it.

Basically I'm late 20s and DH is early 30s and I have a 18 month old and a baby due in November - I'm currently not working due to being a carer for my mum (learning difficulties possibly autism) but with social services and family help I'm going back to uni next month to finish a psychology degree ( I had to drop out half way through year 2 due to my DF passing away) so I'm starting again from the beginning of year 2 and then once I qualify I'm going to go on to do a mental health registered nurse degree (I've looked into it and spoken to the uni and it's something I can do) which once qualified would double anything I can earn now.

DH currently has a job but no qualifications and I don't know if it's a bit of a "midlife crisis" or if now he's has a young family and how the COL has affected everyone he doesn't want to earn minimum wage forever he's decided he wants to do an apprenticeship in a trade which is fine and I'm proud of him but for the first year they only have to pay him £4.84 or something which is a huge drop in income but then for the following three years he'll be on minimum wage until he qualifies which would then mean he can double or even more than double what he's on now too.

So my question is basically we're gonna struggle for the first year or so but our bills and food will be covered and then it'll be worth it in the long run so I was thinking it's better to do it whilst the kids are so young because I can pick clothes, toys etc up from the charity shop or eBay or whatever without it being an issue to them and they'll probably still find fun in trips to the park, woods and playing in the garden but I guess what I'm asking is am I being unrealistic or does it sound manageable?

I really wish DH and I would have done this when we were younger but hindsight is a wonderful thing and I don't know if there's someone on here whose done similar and can offer advice or anything.

Thank you for reading, I'd usually hash this out with my dad but Mumsnet has been a great support so just looking for outside opinions.

Asking will do no harm! If he gets their commitment for 4 years you will at least be able to budget very carefully.

Definitely. Little kids don’t need a lot of money, going to feed the ducks or camping are great adventures, especially if they’ve never known any different and their friends are similar. Most little kid stuff can be bought used. I’ve struggled wit a 4 year old and am struggling with a tween who’s used to having disposable income. Little was WAY easier!

It might be harder to study though. I didn’t have much spare brain power, with no sleep and all. You’ll need childcare support for studying, not just the time you are out of the house.