2 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Sometimes it's not only a matter of making sacrifices to make ends meet but also finding ways to make a little extra without having to pay others to care for your children.

As a single parent for most of my childrens lives I have experienced extreme hardship, and due to my pride found it difficult to ask family for financial assistance unless I had exhausted every possible avenue. I realised working outside of the home was not an option, mainly because I wanted to focus on raising confident, emotionally stable children. My daughter was greatly affected when her father decided to leave the family home with no warning or explanation. I had worked for a number of months at different jobs, but always had to give notice due to a "mystery illness" that my daughter would come down with in the middle of every weekday. She was suffering with anxiety as she felt like I was abandoning her just like her daddy did. My kids welfare was much more important, so changes had to be made regarding income.

Although this is easier to say than do when funds are low and the bills are mounting, remaining positive is essential to your sanity and prevents you falling into a depression which will last even once your situation improves. The bottom line is, you need to focus on becoming financially stable, long term, rather than looking for a quick fix to get you through a tight situation.

Investigate any options for working at home. Use talents such as knitting, sewing, baking etc, any talent you have that will be of service to another. Take in ironing that you can do while the kids are at school or of a night. If you have a green thumb and nice garden take cuttings and propagate a back yard nursery. If you live in an area where there is a lot of building or development put out computer printed flyers offering a lunch delivery service for the tradesmen, starting off with a few menu options and increasing as business grows.

In this busy age people will pay for any service that is going to give them more family and leisure time. Imagine you are a high powered career person, think of the things you would be willing to pay someone to do for you.

If you have a genuine love of children, a great temperament and can offer a safe, caring environment for children of all ages, then family day care is also an option. This is what saved my children and I from becoming completely destitute during a period of extreme financial drought. This meant I could be home for my children before and after school, while

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Single parents: What to do when you can't make ends meet?
We want to hear your view. Write now!