Do to unexpected problems and some poor planning that didn't work out, how can I provide more for my children on Christmas? As of right now I have one present for each along with two family gifts. Where do I go for assistence, how do I get my children things.... they are in need of school uniforms and I just really wish I could do more for Christmas. I mean it's not their fault that our money has "dried" up this year! Am I wrong to ask for assitance?
2006-12-12 08:23:34 · 17 answers · asked by puzzleraspie 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I live in Michigan and my parents and my brother are worse off then us as they all live together and my parents are pretty much supporting him and his family (whole different topic that I could vent on...)
2006-12-12 08:37:27 · update #1
You are not wrong for asking for assistance at all, actually you are brave and putting your children ahead of your pride. Money can be tight, that is the way life works sometimes, but there are great programs for women like yourselves, I have done many things to help families in your position and no one has ever thought anything negative or thought the parents were irresponsible for not planning ahead. You are just like other families and lets face this is a difficult time of year and Christmas is only getting more expensive every year. Don't worry just do what you have to do and really enjoy the holiday, money or no money you can create some really special traditions.
2006-12-12 14:13:22 · answer #1 · answered by Maizy * 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you're wrong to ask for assistance for things your kids really need. As far as the Christmas gifts go, it sounds a little sparse, but lots of kids have less. Do they have grandparents or other family members who usually give them gifts? If your kids are pretty small still, there are a variety of $1 - $5 toys out there that they would be excited to get just because of the fun of opening more gifts.
I'm not sure who to ask for help with the clothes, maybe your church if you attend.
2006-12-12 08:29:19 · answer #2 · answered by Charles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you are not wrong asking for assistance. check with your county offices they may be able to help you get what your children need. As far as the presents go... remember most of christmas is just a hallmark holiday anymore. get back to the basics and volunteer at a local food shelter or nursing home with your children. show them that while you may not have much... some people have nothing at all. As a part of humanity, we need to help each other out in every way!
2006-12-12 08:28:29 · answer #3 · answered by trippinwurmz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats too bad...how many children do you have? Do you have any family member that you could get a loan from? If you do have caring family members that are "fit" enough to help you out...ask them. Make sure you let them know that you will need___ amount of time to get the money back to them...i'm sure they'll understand
Home made gifts are nice, if you can fill their stockings with cheap candy/little games. Try to spend as little as possible.
Follow these ideas...they will help on how much you can set aside to buy for each child: http://financialplan.about.com/od/creditcarddebt/a/HolidayHangover_2.htm
I know loans are always depressing...but you can talk to someone about them too.
Hope all goes well
and if the kids don't understand...let them know that you can't afford much now, maybe promise them a better birthday !!AND SET AWAY MONEY!!
Ask your local church too..they can help with uniforms
dont make them worried
and always remeber...last thing i promise...Love can be a gift too!!
Merry Christmas
2006-12-12 08:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not familiar with area-specific agencies, but there are a lot of national organizations you could contact, like the Salvation Army or Toys for Tots.
You are not wrong to ask for assistance. We all need help sometimes. And maybe next year you'll be in a position to give back.
2006-12-12 11:05:08 · answer #5 · answered by CrazyBirdMom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all let me tell u Im in the same boat. its just not enough money to go around. And we all know that Christmas isnt about the gifts, so i would just explain to them that this year is about gifts but more importantly about family thats how i look at it this year and any other time.You dont buy thing for people (or your kids) just to buy them you do it because you love and appreciate them. they will understand if not now later. Pleaase dont stress your self out over this just be thankful you have family.
2006-12-12 08:44:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
SA for the gifts I would explain to them that the hoidays is not al about gifts. To be thankful, which I am sure they are, that they are together with there family. They will appreciate it more. As for the uniforms ask the school what you can do? Good luck and god bless with the holidays.
2006-12-12 10:56:45 · answer #7 · answered by courtney b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches help out with people who cant' afford toys for their kids. Some give gift cards others ask you what you kid might want or need. What about family members? Could they pitch in 20 bucks a piece so that your kids will have more then 1 gift under tree for Santa? GL......Sometime people have to ask for help as long as your not taking advantage of it it is ok!
Also in respone of others who say they don't need toys under tree from SANTA is just dumb especially if they are old enough to know about Christmas.......besides KIDS don't' need to know that their parents are having financial problems......
2006-12-12 08:27:58 · answer #8 · answered by dietpepsigirl77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could get some inexpensive things at the dollar store. Talk to your school about uniforms. Maybe they can help you out. Go to your local Salvation Army, church, United Way, or other public service organization for help.
Good luck, God bless.
2006-12-12 11:27:27 · answer #9 · answered by salsera 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on your normal money cirmcumstances if you should be asking for help or not.
I would suggest going to the salvation army or any 2nd hand store to try and find things. I would also suggest maybe asking some family members to help you out.
2006-12-12 08:27:03 · answer #10 · answered by KTINA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋