10 years old and living in poverty - channel 5 now

[PonyoLovesHam]

Is anyone watching?

Interesting viewing especially following the recent threads on MN about kids not having Xmas presents. An 8 year old girl was just shown having noodles to eat 3 days a week, telling her mum there's nothing in the fridge.

I know this happens, I've worked with families with these problems, but it's still heartbreaking. Our local food bank I donate to is shutting down because it's being seen as a long term fix (by the council) rather than a short term solution which is what the volunteers who set it up intended it to be :(

Omg this family has a dog, how can you afford a dog when in poverty? I'm going to have to switch over its ridiculous.

Marcus121, i thought the weight thing too just didnt want to say. that family spends £175 a week on food......

'Why carnt they use the shop to make a living even selling second hand stuff that they find,'

Rates? Rent? Power to the place?

I was in tears watching that programme... That could be my children (god forbid)in a few years now that Dh has left . Such a sad set if stories,just wanted to give all the kids a big hug. Xx

Seriously you can't see the link between being overweight and poverty? Maybe because chips and pizza are cheaper than salad and broccoli.
Mamma £175 for a family of nine is not an excessive food budget. That's less than £20 a week per person.

Id like to know what the families gained by allowing millions of viewers into their lives. Tv giants will clearly make a fortune or it wouldnt b worth airing but to what gain for the families??

Yes I have for kids and quite a good relationship with there mothers I have worked to give them everything I possible can , on top of that I've brought up other peoples kids since I was 18years of age , like I said I'm not going to turn this into an argument but they are spending 175 pound a week on food none of them look malnourished , and they have a shop were they could sell absolutely anything rent free , how can that not work. The opportunity is there , use it

But Jeff you worked while your children's mothers looked after them. You had free childcare. This man is a lone parent to seven children. Youngest children only in nursery three hours a day.

I was saddened by most of what I saw in this documentary. Paige reminded me so much of a girl I first knew over 25 years ago in school who had similar circumstances at home. We didn't have prom nights back then nor did our mums have extortionate uniform to buy for school, but I always shielded her from the bullies who took great pride in highlighting the fact she didn't have the expensive clothes or sophisticated shoes. Paige seemed fortunate to have a nice group of friends and I would be only too pleased to donate something towards her prom.

SoonToBeSix - eating that kind of food does not necessarily make one over weight considering they are having appropriate portions

I bet those poor kids only have Iphone 4's :( I can't imagine the shame when all the other kids at school have iPhone 6's, poverty is rife in the uk, just look at that poor dude with all his 7 kids and his huge beer belly, it's a hard knock life in the uk, makes me wonder why all the immigrants are risking life and limb to get here.

The mother of Clarence is vile.

Why is she speaking to her children like that?

I just watched this tonight too and came on the PC to see what people are saying about it. So sad, I had tears at several points. I feel so lucky that I have a nice home and my kids are well cared for (we have more than we really need). I would have gladly bought that little girl a prom dress if I could have.

As a footnote to my story, I am now approaching 40 and am lucky to have been married to the girl in question for the past 9 years. She was only ever the girl for me. Sleep well everyone.

I take it the internet troll soontobesix has been clamped . As i iterate in my previous text if anybody can contact Paige and her man let me know , me and my girlfriend plus son would be glad to help , her mam deserves a little help

Erm unthinkingly are the troll Jeff.

Sorry I am thinking you are the troll!

I Apologise for predictive text in my last post bloody thing

Oh and welcome to mumsnet .

No I would like to help you just want to poke holes in people

No I just don't like you mocking a struggling family.

I found the children in this program amazing, they never complained about the difficult circumstances they were in and were an example to most children who have everything but have no idea how lucky they are. Im sure many people like me would have bought the young girl a prom dress or more food for the little girl and her brother. To watch a child selling toys to help pay to fix the roof was exceptional. We all need to help people less fortunate than ourselves if we can.

It's not mocking when they have a brilliant opportunity in front of them , they can sell anything in that shop, were there's muck there's brass and it all makes cash, trust me I've been there

Does anyone else think that as a country we should be doing more to help the disadvantaged children living in our own communities before helping out those in other countries?