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Budget makes me want another child

2 replies

Mrsbenandjerry · 17/03/2023 22:21

Ok, maybe there's more to it than the title suggests but since yesterday, I've not been able to shake the desire to have a second child.

When my DS was born, money was tight and I went back to work when he was only 7 months old. We have been paying around £800 in nursery fees since then and he will be 3 in autumn of this year so we're looking forward to the relief this will be on our finances.

DH and I have always said 1 is enough and we simply couldn't afford another. After the announcement yesterday that childcare will soon become more affordable though and considering we're both in better paid jobs now, it's like a switch has gone off in my head and the idea of another baby is kind of lovely. I found the first year of motherhood very challenging and I'm sure this will sound harsh on my first born but I'd love the chance to do a better job and try to enjoy it with fewer worries and uncertainties.

Logically, another will still be expensive and will definitely mean selling up and moving to a bigger house so it's not a decision to take lightly. I'm nearly 31 so it's not totally urgent to know at this minute but I'd love some reassurance that I'm not kidding myself and that a second child isn't pie in the sky thinking based on the very sudden urge I seem to have been overcome by.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
LDNLCN · 18/03/2023 00:42

I've just had my first and am totally with you on this. I'm almost 31 as well and had said I only wanted one but since having DD I'm pretty sure I want more now. With the budget it has definitely made me think about trying for another in a year from now. I've not mentioned this to DP as he'd probably think I've lost it, especially after the traumatic birth I've just gone through!

deliwoman1 · 18/03/2023 08:33

I’m with you on the second child issue (DD1 is 8 months) but I’m older so need to get cracking.

That said, please don’t base any major decisions on this budget. The government has undercosted the plan and as the largest phase (from 9 months) isn’t scheduled to start until Sept ‘25, that’s after the general election and it may not be their responsibility to deliver after all. What I mean to say is that there’s a chance this childcare plan may not happen in the way we expect it to, or at all. If nurseries continue to feel the pinch because the govt hasn’t provided enough funding to cover actual costs, they’ll be forced to charge more to top up. I can actually see a way it’ll make life worse, not to mention these dangerous ratios they’ve introduced.

Basically, if you really want a second go ahead but plan and be prepared for the worst financially speaking, just to be safe!

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