Any other parents feel this way?

Question

I woke up crying because I made $120 working yesterday and by the end of the day it was all spent. I now have $5 left for myself.

I feel bad, because I should be grateful that I have enough money to support us and get by, but I am still sad, because I have nothing to spend on just me.

If it normal to feel this way?

Oh and my kid is out of juice boxes so I will likely spend my last $5 on that!

Answer 1

Yes... it gets frustrating sometimes being a mom. We're so thrilled to have kids and love to spend on them... even spoiling them and buying some clothes that they might not "need" ... but then we usually leave ourselves last... or feel that we just can't afford something nice for ourselves! I hear you... I sooo hear you!

Do yourself a favor... go ahead and spend on the kids... and find something that you can do JUST FOR YOU that maybe just doesn't cost! Take a nice long hot bath... grab a good book... give yourself a manicure or a pedicure... save up $1 a week... just save your change even and grab yourself a nice cheap box of hair color and give yourself a re-do... just don't forget to include yourself somehow... a LITTLE ME TIME goes a LONG WAY!

Answer 2

Yes you should be grateful that you can at least support your family. But I do understand the feeling. when I was young with little ones I couldn't buy for myself either, it is like you just go without for the kids. But that doesn't mean we are happy about it. So yes what you are feeling is normal. I would suggest putting even a dollar back out of each paycheck so that you can eventually buy yourself somthing, you do need to reward yourself once in a while. But I will tell you this I know a lot of people that will not put thier kids needs first so you give me hope and I appreciate it. I know it seems a life time away but your kids do grow up and then it is your turn and by then you should be making even more money to spend on yourself and you will be old enough to know how to spend it, for really good times like trips and such. Hang in there it will only be a blink of your eyes and they will grown and gone. Good luck to you and thank you for being the person you are and loving your kids enough to go without for them. You are Awesome.

Answer 3

YES!!!!! Totally normal. I am sooo glad that you asked this question. I know the feeling. My Husband makes the money to pay the bills and the $100 I make a week to watch my niece on top of my little girls is supposed to be for myself. However, it usually always comes when we need more formula or juice. It makes me feel good to know that we have the money to buy the stuff we need, but we are so stretched thin that there is nothing left for us. And then that leads into the guilt we place on ourselves in thinking like that! Its a vicious cycle!! You are a good mom and it's totally normal to want something for yourself! You deserve it

Answer 4

Spend the $5 on a bottle of juice instead of juice boxes. Much cheaper.

I know it's frustrating. I have similar problems; my money is gone before I even get it, and sometimes it's frustrating that I rarely spend any on myself. Maybe you could stick pocket change in a jar and do something special for yourself with it. You'd be surprised at how fast it can accumulate.

Answer 5

when you have a family sometimes you need to scarifice some things.... but i'm sure your family appreciates everything you do for them... Also you might want to try looking for bargains and ways to save money. My mother use to get a big jug and make Kool-Aid and have 2 empty water bottle ( me and my brother) and use that for drinks at school. juice boxes are expensive and over priced just for the convience. Think of other ways to say little money and you will end up having more money in your pocket to either save or spend... but it will be yours.

Answer 6

Yes. I feel that way sometimes. But, then I remember that it was my choice to bring my three children into the world. And I made a choice to love them and take care of them. You've made a good choice. Tell yourself that on bad days. Good luck to you!

Answer 7

well honey we all did it,but hopefully you learn.and try buying their snacks from a whole sale place or in larger quantities.make sure they don't try to drink it all up cause it a lot at one time,that what i had to do,but they have to be control,because they will open and play with it ,just because,hope you understand what am saying,but i know what you feeling ,believe me,God bless you and family.Always put some money aside,if only $10,if you get paid everyday,try to save something,for rainy day.

Answer 8

lol, that's my life in a nutshell. I spend all our money on bills and kids and just due with what I have. We now have our tax money and I'm hoping that maybe, just maybe I can get a pair of jeans out of our taxes....We'll see. The joys of being a parents. :-)

Answer 9

what your going through is normal......as parents thats what we do...our kids come first no matter what. Kids are not cheap. It is streefull at times but at least we know ours kids are happy :)

Its also good to try to take out a little for ourselves so dont get depressed. Try to treat yourself in someway, we need to take care of us to, but yes, it is normal to feel that way.

Answer 10

sure I feel that way at times but the children must come first atleast you have the money there are times when I have to put the groceries on the credit card to feed my kids and just keep putting myself in debt but hey when i'm dead I won't have to worry about paying it back.