Single mums with no job how do you cope?

[UpsyDaaaisy]

I have a 1 year old and work part time on the weekends, my parents have always helped looked after my DS while I'm working which has allowed me to pay bills, afford a few extra things. Due to sudden change in circumstances my parents are no longer able to look after my DS. Any other single parents out there that work able to give me advice? Or am I doomed to the next few years living off benefits and and hand to mouth? I've looked at nursery but not only would I be losing money but I need to be in work at 7am and most don't open until then. I'm pretty gutted as I enjoy my job and it's giving me the experience I need to progress in my chosen career I went to university for (DS father not on the scene)

Have you looked at local child minders. Moving forward they will be able to do wrap around care when ds is in school and school holidays. So good long term option and not as expensive as nursery. Also usually a lot more flexible about start times etc.

Have you looked into tax credits/universal credits. They will cover the cost of 85% of your child care bill. So you won't be massively out of pocket.

Im a single mum to 4 (dont get tax credits for the youngest) and ex doesnt pay maintenance. Its hard but you scrape by.

eve I have had a look at childminders and they seem like a good option, my hours are 6.45 am - 7 pm so that's what's making it hard. I do get tax credits already but will have a look at a childcare aspect.

candy are you working at the moment?

No sorry im
not working so cant help in that sense. Work would be impossible for me
with no family help.

Those are crazy hours. I know you said the job is what you want but you may have to look at something more regular if you want to utilise childcare. V few providers would work those hours. Is an au pair an option?

@HugeAckmansWife what a stupid question! She's talking about maybe being on benefits and you are asking her if an au pair is an option. What planet are you on?!

Hi, just adding my two cents. Umm Im expecting my dd in a few weeks (march baby) and I'm currently not working, I haven't worked properly in years due to mental health issues. I currently am living on esa which is paid bi-monthly. And I have savings which are going to be purely for the babys up keep till I get myself back on my feet (single mum style). Its hard but you find a way, also my family would never see my baby starve or homeless. But if you have no other way of surviving, benefits are there for people who have no other option. Hope my posting helps so you know your certainly not alone.

It's your hours that are the main problem. I work 2 days a week 8.30-5. DS goes to nursery 8-6 so it's manageable.