I hate being the broke parents
My 7 yr old has been begging for karate lessons for a really long time. I saved and saved until I thought I could get him at least 4 months worth of lessons. I figured by the time it came to re up, I’s have saved more money.. I signed him through a back to school special and he started last night.
Well it turns out they got rid of their one night a week lessons tier. Which I understand why but it was the one I has been budgeting for.
The next tier up is 2 days a week and at least 30$ more. I wasn’t expecting that. I can manage 2 months of lessons now. I’m not sure what to do after that.
We don’t really have the money to be spending 200$ a month on something extra. I just want to cry. My kid is so excited. He had the best time last night. I just don’t know how I am gonna swing it.
I feel like this is a running theme lately. We just can’t afford to give our kids the things we want to. Hubby and I bust our asses working. I work 2 part time jobs even. Just so we can break even.
Meanwhile the other parents are sending their kids to camp to have fun or have them all signed up for extracurricular activities. They are throwing the fun birthday parties.
My kids don’t complain or push us for more than we have. They don’t know how broke their parents are. And I am grateful for that. I just feel so sad that I can’t give them more.
Netizens’ comments
I am so sorry. Let me say some things though, hopefully it can give you some sort of clarity.
My girlfriend and I grew up in completely different homes. My parents were very well off, much like the parents you probably hear about. My girlfriend on the other hand knew about her families moneys problem when she was a little girl. She often knew they couldnt afford a lot of things.
When I met her family and came into their home, it was a whole different experience for me. I truly understood my privilege. I can confidently say though, her family excelled at things my family never did. Her mum gifts me cheap presents for my birthday and Christmas when she can, some are handmade, some are thrifted and just a good deal.
Every year at Christmas, I am more excited to open her family’s gifts to me than mine. They are always so thoughtful, so sentimental and I can tell how much thought went into them. Some of the best holidays I’ve had are with them. Though the trips with my family consisted of a lot more expensive things, the absolute fun I had/have with her family will be unmatched.
I guess what I’m trying to say, is that it absolutely sucks and I’m so sorry you’re going through that. In saying that though, get good at the things you can do. Have regular games you play, try to connect with people through alternative activities. I learnt so much from them and their company and their house is so safe for me. You have the ability to strengthen things that some people with more expendable finances may overlook.
I hope you get some responses that can relate more and provide you good support. Good luck.