Feeling the guilt. :(

[Bringiton2019]

My daughter aged 8 keeps asking why I have to work.

I'm divorced from her Dad and he doesn't work (long story why), so he can pick up after school and when it's his weekends, he obviously never leaves them to go to work.

I work in healthcare so I work shifts, nights, and weekends.

When I work day shifts, I can't pick her up till just after 5pm, and if I work weekends I hate leaving her because it should be our time.

Anyone in a similar position? Pointless post I guess. Every penny I earn goes towards her future and I can't afford not to work!

Oh I feel your pain, no wise words only that you are setting a great example and in a few years she will understand. Mine is only 5 and it's so hard, but you and I know it's worth it x x x

Could you check with them what their dads told them about you working. Make sure your ex isn’t poisoning her mind.

My pal was in the exact same position and her ex was telling the children she didn’t love them and that she wanted to work to escape them. They believed him (and were gutted). Until they grew up and saw him for what he is. A lazy bastard.

They also said now in hindsight they would rather have had their mum around more, and fewer toys, fewer foreign holidays (as less money if she reduced her hours) etc. She probably would have gone part time but she worked full time so they didn’t go without as all the stuff they wanted was dear stuff.

It’s a fine balance.

Just remind them you are working for their future.

Thank you both.

I work to keep a roof over her head, feed etc

I wish I could afford to shower her with expensive gifts. I'll keep on Dad, he's not a nasty person like that (usually).