My daycare just informed me that they are increasing my weekly fee. I'm a single parent with sole custody and a full time job. I have tried getting a second job, but no one will consider my application with my limited schedule. I am trying so hard to provide for my daughter, but I don't get much child support and my paychecks just aren't stretching as much as I need them to. Does anyone have any advice on how to make paychecks stretch more or how to get a second job with no support system and a limited schedule????
I have an idea for you. I dont know if there are any openings but if you go to the coon rapids american legion and apply the manager is very flexible with limited scheduling. i know i am also a single mom with a 4 month old and they are great about scheduling.
Wow have I been there! I too am a single mom and have had 3 kids in daycare at any given time. Daycare is so expensive, yet so necessary at the same time. Definately consider looking into child care assistance, either through your city, or the county. There are also some nonprofits that have funds set aside to help with this. Interestingly enough when a case is open for assistance (at least in Hennepin county) they will pursue the father for child support (I know the dad's still have to work to collect any support). WIC is also a great way to help your child eat healthily on a tight budget. In home daycare does generally cost less, but it is certainly a different atmosphere for your child. You could take on a second job that you could do from home, such as sales or transcription type work.
Ultimately for me the question was, can I support my kids for the next 10 years or more in the work I am doing now? I decided then and there to go back to school. Happily now, I can say that all of the help and support that I recieved from the childcare assitance, WIC, and medical assistance was a stepping stone to where I am now. I still raise my 3 kids as a single mom, I own my own home, and I work as a professional in a profession that I love. I can now budget my income for daycare, medical insurance, food, and even extra curricular activities for my kids.
I wish you luck. You are not alone. You will survive this and be stronger because of it. Hang in there it can only get better.
Have you looked into childcare assistance? Social services subsidizes childcare for families who have a hard time paying for it. Check with your county, I'm sure you'd qualify for at least some aid.
Hi N..
I understand how hard it can be to make your paychecks strech. I have 4 kids and believe me I know how hard it can be! I have an idea for you as to how to make extra money without having to work for someone else. I am a rep for a company called Taste of Home Entertaining. It is a great way to make really great money on the side and work when you want to and when you can. I really love TOHE it has let me work a second "job" and still have time for my kids and my life. If you are interested in hearing more I would love to talk to you about it more. You can take a look at my site at EntertainwithTracy.tohe.com
Please do not worry about the start up cost to much if you love Taste of Home and you would like to join we can work something out! I would really love to help you! Feel free to email me privately at ____@____.com
Talk to you soon!!!!
I have some advice maybe. If you are going to a center maybe try to find an inhome daycare. Otherwise isn't there any assistance you can get I know a few single moms that have gotten help with their daycare through the county so that they can work or go to school. but I suppose it depends on how much you make. Otherwise try to use coupons and buy generic whenever possible the target brand items are cheaper and taste just as good. and if you daughter is still in diapers use generic diapers. most of these items are made by the higher end companies and packaged for the stores saving money for everyone. Hope I helped.
Depending on your income level, you may qualify for WIC. Its not a permanent solution, but it may help with hardships. You can also look into getting your utility bills reduced if you qualify for assistance there as well. Check with your county for these programs and hopefully it will help curb the financial burden a bit. Good luck!
Daycare is so expensive. I understand your dilemna. Have you considered enrolling your daughter into a Monesorri school instead of daycare? Some are less expensive and offer much more teaching than daycare. There is the Renaissance in Anoka. I am using Step by Step Montesorri instead of my corporate daycare because they were way too expensive. I am so happy I changed.
Ditto for what the other mom said about in-home daycare. Try checking into Head Start, too...they offer preschool and it's either a sliding fee or free, depending on how much you make.
As to saving more, clip coupons, and use them when the product is on sale...don't buy it if it's not on sale. It may take three weeks to get what you need for spaghetti, but you'll save a couple dollars.
Also check out Flylady.net. They have different ideas to help save $, but also provide a lot of support, too.
As to the second job, see if you can find another mom to do a babysitting swap...you watch hers one or two nights, and she watches yours the same...might get you a few hours of extra work, or even some peace for yourself without having to pay for it. Good Luck!
(Btw, I'm a 37-YO single mom of 2 ds, ages 3 and 5, so I know what you're going through!) :)
