to think it's ok to bring up your children wherever you damn well like?

[FourKidsAndCounting]

My sister has a DD aged 6 and lives on a rough council estate in a pokey 1 bedroom flat. They bed-share as sister has been single since before her DD was born.

Our other sister and I live in lovely, idylic places. The kind you see on postcards. We've been very lucky, but the other day sister2 passed a comment saying that sister1 should have waited to have children because it's very irresponsible to be bringing a child up in that area, in a 7th floor tiny flat with no garden. I disagree because sister1 loves her DD more than words can describe, and surely that's more than materialistic things and a decent sized home in a better location?

I agree with you, love makes a family not money or location

I agree with you.

Some people have no choice, I had my 2 living in one poxy room in a homeless hostel. You sound really nice and non judgemental, I wish more people were like you.

I agree too. Where you live doesn't affect how good or bad a parent you will be. It's about making the most of what you have got.

maybe the two with idyllic postcard homes could offer a helping hand to the one in the 7th floor flat-isnt it possible for her to rent somewhere near you if you helped?I bet she is a super mother but I bet she'd rather be it somewhere else

OMG look at the love in the poorest parts of the world where they have no food, often in wartorn countries, sick, diseased, yet the love between dc and their families shines through.

Compare that with the abuse and misery suffered by the latest headline child abuse cases when they had a roof over their heads but no love.

I know which I would choose!

BTW couldn't you more affluent sisters club together to help your other sister out if she doesn't like where she is?

Maybe sister2 should have sister1 come and live with her if shes that concerned about it?!

I think we should all be abe to live in nice, safe places. Unfortunately that isn't possible for everyone. But ultimately if you are able to love, care for and provide both emotionally and physically for a child, those are the most important things.

Have been sitting here this evening feeling cross that I'm stuck in my current (lovely) 3 bed house as I can't find a nice enough 4 bed one. Feel a bit now, & will try to be more grateful for what I do have.

Totally agreed. there are lessons in life that having affluent surroundings can't teach you. All part of the masterplan.

well, ok, there's no denying it is nicer for children in a house with a garden, but you live where you live, it's no big deal. There are parks! And like you say, it's love that matters.

And surely she'll be on the waiting list for something bigger? Is she not classed as overcrowded?