Depriving Kids Comment

When I found your website, I was relieved to find
people who think like me!

I am a single mother of two who does not get any
child support or government subsidies...I am
literally a "sole support parent."

Do I think my children are financially deprived?
Heck, no! If anything, my financial situation
has been a blessing to the three of us because it
has taught us resourcefulness, creativity and
prioritizing. God has used this situation to
bring out qualities and strengths in me that I
was unaware of back in my pre-children life.

My children and I make the Christmas presents
that we give to people, we don't buy what we
don't need, and we have really put "reduce, reuse
and recycle" into practice. We shop at thrift
stores and yard sales and I have become "the
resource queen" (as my friends call me) about any
free activities going on in a 25-km. radius.

My 14-year old babysits my younger one when I go
out once a week to my support group (that's
pretty much it for a regular social life) and I
pay him. His job is to give his little sister
his undivided attention by listening to her,
playing what she wants to play, reading to her
and then putting her to bed. This way, I get out
and get the support I need (which helps me to be
a better parent), my son gets $$$$, and my
daughter gets special quality time during which
she chooses the activity, toys, etc. My son
feels responsible and proud of the $$$ he has
earned and the job he has done, and he has become
very competent at saving his $$$.

I have taught my children that before buying they
need to ask themselves:

- Will I use it? How often?
- Am I willing to pay this price? Is there a
better price?
- Will I tire of this thing quickly?

Anyway, I could go on and on.

I love your website...I visit it frequently and I
love the newsletter. I have given your website
address to a number of people at my church.
Livingonadime.com has been a real blessing to me
and my kids.

Keep up the great work and God bless!
Theresa O