Child Support is Lacking

For the women that were wives at one time and are now single mothers, I want to address what do you do if the child support is lacking or not regular. First and foremost when you are the primary parent that provides ongoing care, financial support, educational encouragement and everything else you are the mother and the father, it is important that you take the time to establish your household budget.

I would recommend that if the child support has been lacking and not regular that you base your budget on your income only. This way you do not necessarily fall into the position of counting on that income for a major need for the kids. You have to stand on your own strength and you are providing for the kids needs.

Sit down and be honest with yourself about what you need and the kids. The kids are watching how you manage money to include what you are spending money on and your saving habits. They are making a mental note of everything which also includes times that you pamper them, pay for different school activities, etc.

This is an opportunity for you to teach them very good money management habits despite your situation. Being a single mother does not define who you are, it is the situation you are presently in. You have hopes and dreams of your own and there is no reason you cannot achieve those dreams and goals. You are teaching your children also to have a strong work ethic, be good money managers and not wasteful. This way when and/or if you get the child support you can utilize as you see fit for the kids.

My mom never got any child support and she always ensured we had what we needed. I remember to this day, her taking us out to different restaurants every now and then so we could experience those things and several things. Interestingly enough, she and I were talking the other day about how every other weekend when I was a Senior in High School, we went to Baskin Robbins and we would share a banana split.

Take the time to make those memories with your children and not let your being a single parent steal your joy.