anyone else ever feel like a failure?

[Meris000]

It’s my daughter 8ths birthday tomorrow. I cant even afford food on the table we’re all eating cheap pasta and sauce at the moment never mind buying a present for her. She’s not a materialistic child but her brother was given a PS4 for his birthday in January and now it’s her birthday she’s going to feel so left out, I can’t even buy or bake her a cake things are that tight. What do I say to her? She was promised the world and I know it’s not my fault what’s happening right now but how do I tell her without ruining her day?

I’m so sorry you’re in this position. I’m sure you still managed to make the day lovely for her and explained that she will get a gift once things are better. She’ll be like the queen this year. 2 birthdays! X

Sorry youre going through this. Things are definitely tough just now. You can still make her day special and fill it with her favourite activities, just explain to her why you couldnt get her anything just now but as soon as things look up she can have another birthday with a gift like PP said.

Hello everyone,

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circumstances, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. Though, we strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope things look up for you all.

Happy birthday to your DD. I'm sure you are doing everything you can to make her day special. Birthdays are about having a fuss made of you. There are ways you can do that (letting her choose activities). She's old enough to understand money and as soon as this is over and you are in a position to do so, she can have her present.

It can't be helped OP. You are keeping her fed in difficult circumstances so you are certainly not a failure

Happy birthday to your DD also try planning something like a trip to the zoo or her favourite place after it's all over so then she has got something to look forward to

Thank you All I was just getting a little overwhelmed last night. Didn't want to ask for any money lol don't know why you had to say that

Happy birthday to your dd. Once things are back to relative normality you can spoil her.
Re the money - unfortunately there are people who sign up to mumsnet with sob stories about having no money and some people are lovely but gullible and send money. That’s the reason for the post from MNHQ.

She's had a good day we decided to just have a film day today and make up for it when we can. She was very understanding

She sounds great!!!

Bless her, yes I was wondering whether you can give her all the choices today. Like what to watch, which meal (out of things you've got), perhaps even where she sleeps? You could do a sort of pillow camp out in the sitting room and fall asleep watching films like a sleepover?