Budget 2010: Budget 2010: Child tax credits up for one and two-year-olds

krisskross

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

But NOBODY got it thirty yars ago! That is what we seniors are saying. People these days get SO much money for having children. We got the basic Child Benefit and that is all. No savings. No nursery feees. Nothing to help with childcare. Zilch. Nada.

I didn't even get child benefit for our first child. Ever, it wasn't paid for a 1st child until about 1978.

seven-day-weekend

I wasn't sure when it started krisskross. I know I got it for my (only) child in 1980.

But yes, if you only had one child before 1978, you got nothing whatsoever.

You young parents don't appreciate how much is given to you.

krisskross

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I wasn't sure when it started krisskross. I know I got it for my (only) child in 1980.

But yes, if you only had one child before 1978, you got nothing whatsoever.

You young parents don't appreciate how much is given to you.

We had 4 children but only ever got family allowance for 3 of them at anytime, although all four were under 7. So a future government could perhaps go back to restricting the amount of children child related benefits are paid for.

talulah25

This is ridiculous, of course if you look at the bigger picture young children are more of a financial 'drain' on their parents. As one sensible poster pointed out, parents of young children either have to cut their working hours or pay through the nose for full-time childcare, those with older children are at least entitled to part of the week as free nursery and then school have them for 6 hours per day when they are old enough.

Not only do you have to buy formula, nappies, wipes, nappy cream etc etc etc for babies but they also need an entire new wardrobe of clothes every 3 months! Not to mention prams, buggies, car seats, safety equipment, moses basket, cot, bed, the list is ENDLESS!

All of you saying that your children cost more now than when they were at 1-2 years old, would you have knocked the money back if you were offered increased tax credits at the time???

I think not!

sassysar

I cant help but think that the best possible gift you can give a child is to have their mum pick them up from school and cook them their tea. My mum did it for me and even though we were poor I still feel lucky for what we had. I know it is not possible for everyone and before you attack me its just my personal view for my own kids. I do work however - part time cleaning jobs which work out at a good hourly rate . I agree the support for parents is good these days and I dont just mean money its things like education oppertunities, maternity leave all much better than even 15 yrs ago when i had my first.

seven-day-weekend

Agreed sassysar. That is why I also did a small part-time job for many years.

And to comment on another part of your post, maternity leave is another relatively recent innovation. It had not long come into being when I left to have my son in late 1979, and iirc was only for a few months and I don't think it was paid. I didn't take any as I was going to be a SAHM.

krisskross

talulah25 wrote: »

T

Not only do you have to buy formula, nappies, wipes, nappy cream etc etc etc for babies but they also need an entire new wardrobe of clothes every 3 months! Not to mention prams, buggies, car seats, safety equipment, moses basket, cot, bed, the list is ENDLESS!

Most of these items are the parent's wants rather than the child's needs.

Mine were breast fed until old enough to be weaned onto mashed up real food (I realise not everyone will be able to breast feed). So food cost absolutely nothing. Used terry nappies. Bum cream I made by mixing cheap zinc and castor oil cream with a few drops of friars balsam. Better than Sudocreme.

2nd hand pram and used it for 2 babies. All 4 used the same Moses basket....it got a fresh coat of paint each time. Same big cot for all 4.Made a lot of their clothes, and they only ever had 3 outfits at a time, charity shops now have some beautiful baby clothes for pennies.

Plus remember new parents get about £40 a week for the 1st year plus maternity pay, seems like a lot of money to me.

seven-day-weekend

I had my son's cot from my next door neighbour, who had used it for both her sons. Before that it had been used for two other children. I passed it on to my friend who used it for all three of hers.

So.....eight children from one cot.

His high chair was second-hand too. His carrycot was a present from my work. The only thing we bought new was a pushchair.

Most of his clothes were hand-me-downs from the boys next door.

Small children don't need to cost a fortune.

krisskross

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I had my son's cot from my next door neighbour, who had used it for both her sons. Before that it had been used for two other children. I passed it on to my friend who used it for all three of hers.

So.....eight children from one cot.

His high chair was second-hand too. His carrycot was a present from my work. The only thing we bought new was a pushchair.

Most of his clothes were hand-me-downs from the boys next door.

Small children don't need to cost a fortune.

We live in a very throw away, must have new era which reinforces my view that everyone has too much money. Guilty of it myself. Never in my life have I had so many clothes as I have now, or so many holidays.

emweaver

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

But NOBODY got it thirty yars ago! That is what we seniors are saying. People these days get SO much money for having children. We got the basic Child Benefit and that is all. No savings. No nursery feees. Nothing to help with childcare. Zilch. Nada.

and times have changed in 30 years, children are better educated these days. they even have to stay in education until 18. what is wrong with the government helping educate children after all they are our future

child poverty has decreased to in 30 years

were not living 30 years ago we are here now so stop comparing it to the olden days