How can I rid my self of poverty striken life?

Question

This is not a Miss America question but a serious question as to what a single african american parent can do to pull herself and children up and away from poverty's clutches. I know the typical senerio education, working, better jobs but how can you also do this when these barriers (such as affordable child care) are what keeps you from these things?

Answer 1

It may be all you can do for now to stay afloat, treading water financially. You may need to wait until your kids are older to move ahead. Right now, more than anything, they need time with you. Most middle class people are living paycheck to paycheck, too.

In the meantime, make their life better by reading to them, getting them to cultural events, get them in clubs where they see how the middle class lives. are you in section 8 housing? get into the best neighborhood you can, so your kids schools are good and neighbors have high expectations. You may not be able to go to school right now, but you can still learn and read at home.

Use the "Tightwad Gazette" and other cheapskate tips to stretch your money. Find a freecycle in your area through yahoo groups and try to get as much free as you can.

Are you on public assistance? Are you sure you're getting all you are entitled to to help you?

I wonder if you could create these opportunities by creating a single-parent co-op. Get a network together, pool your talents, pool your childcare, hold seminars for each other, share wardrobes, run fundraising talent shows or yard sales. see if you can't create a business, no matter how small. micro-credit - very small loans for very small businesses = are available in some places and target women.

Answer 2

It's hard. Gets to be depressing at times. Just when you think you are caught up, something sneaks around the corner and takes you by surprise. I am not sure what ages your children are. The advice you have been given here about affordable childcare is very good. I don't really have anything new to add to that. I did want you to know that I am sypathetic to your issues. I think that some people are born with a silverspoon and then there's the rest of us. Have you tried any side jobs that you wouldn't ahve to find childcare for? Maybe doing childcare in your own home on the weekends, or, cleaning houses.

At any rate, keep in mind that your children will only be little for a short time. Besides the fact you don't want to wake up one day and realize you have missed their childhood, keep in mind also that they need your guidance and love. So many children get lost in the cracks because their parents are trying to put food on the table and clothes on their back and can't be their for them.

It's hard to get government help because not only do they have to know how many times a day you go to the bathroom (not literally) if you start getting ahead, they pull back their resourses. It's like a trap.

I would also suggest calling a local church for things such as food and clothes. Their are some places that will pay your electric bill for you also once or twice. You can't have them paying it every month, but, when you are in a real bind you can give them a call.

If this answer does nothing else, I hope it lets you know you are being supported. God does love you and your children. He doesn't ever give us more than we can handle. Bless you and I will be praying for you.

Answer 3

I wasn't going to answer your question until I saw the first answer. You first need to rid yourself of the people that tell you things like the government is trying to keep you in poverty. This is popular belief in the black community, and is entirely wrong. You can do anything you want to, and if others try to tell you differently, you need to get them out of your life. That is your first move. Secondly you need to have goals. Set these goals and do whatever it takes to reach them. It won't happen overnight, but it will. Education is the easy way, but there are many millionaires without a formal education. If you get a good attitude, you can go far with almost any company. Save some money and do what you really have in you to do, be it cleaning bathtubs or picking tomatoes. Don't run out and buy a 52" TV, etc. until you have met your goals. Your personality, discipline, and attitude can take you further than any formal education. If you want anything bad enough, you will find a way to get it, just don't think about the barriers, they are not barriers, just things that make reaching your goals even more rewarding.

Answer 4

my idea is to team parent each mother takes all the children 2 nights a week and the other goes to school. Once you are an enrolled student grants are available for tuition and expenses wqhich can include paid child care so that you can both attend school 4 nights a week. I know pwople who had 3 on the team, two of them had 2 children and the other one had 3. The one with 3 had them all 3 nights a week and the other 2 each 2 nights. The children stayed the nite at the sitter's home and went to school from there the next day it involved alot of co ordinating and co operation one woman got her ph.d and 1 a M.A. in teaching the other a B.A. and a good job. this worked for them

Answer 5

Here's what I would consider if I was you. You already have kids, so why not get a license to opperate an at home day care center where you can not only stay at home with your kids and save on child care, but make money at the same time by watching other people's kids too. You can take classes at night, or even better, online and work on your education when you have the time. It will take some time if you are on your own and don't have any support, but it can be done. Don't loose hope.

Answer 6

I don't know what to tell you, I'm not far from poverty myself...i am single parent of 2 girls. The only thing i can say is keep trying, you seem very serious about getting out of your situation and i think that determination alone will get you far. Good luck sweety!!!!

Answer 7

It doesn't make any difference what race you are, life for a single woman with children is very difficult, especially if the biological father of your children is neither helping nor in the family picture. How you got in the impoverish circumstances you did not say, but the rich celebs who are roll modeling bastard children are causing young men and women to force their children into poverty. My mother was a single mom, and she struggled everyday of her life trying to make ends meet. She chose her men unwisely. So, choose your men wisely, love your children dearly, and keep working and improving your life and children's circumstances. Teach your daughters to choose their husbands wisely, and teach your sons to respect their wives and girlfriends so they don't fall prey to poverty too. Trust in God. Good luck!

Answer 8

Ask a counsillor for advice? Move to a smaller community? I'm not sure. I'm not exactly rich, just living paycheque to paycheque.

Answer 9

go to your local community action type branch and ask them to help you with affordable child care. you take in your paystubs, bills and they pay for alot like, 80% of it. good luck with that, i too am starting the process of gettin' on my feet again.

Answer 10

no kidding girl. im a single dad and without my parents id be in trouble. maby a roommate or something like that .