Starting a Family Old Style

mennie

Hi, my last thread for closed due to troll activity

My Husband and I are starting the adoption process and it will be difficult when we go down to one wage. So I am looking for tips from those who have raised families old style. As these are the values I would like to instill into my family

We have set up two savings accounts, one to supplement my adoption pay and one for things we will need post placement,

We aleady meal plan and batch cook, I spend about £40 per week on groceries, inc dog food, cleaning products and toiletries.

I already do mystery shopping, surveys, cashback etc.

Really looking for ways to squeeze every penny till it squeaks:rotfl:

Thanks to all those who contributed to the lasy thread:T:A:rotfl:

missychrissy

I'm a granny that has grandchildren to stay on a regular basis. I obtained all of my baby equipment from freecycle.org. I have a beautiful Mamas and Papas cot, a carry cot, Moses basket, travel cot, buggy, car seat, toys etc, all obtained from freecycle. It's also a good source of baby and children's clothes.

As your child grows older don't buy ready made dinners but make your own and freeze. I have a small hand blender for mixing them. Good combinations include roast dinners with meat veg and potatoes, sweet potatoes carrots and mince, fish peas and mash, homemade soups, pasta cheese and tomatoes.

Learn to knit. Children's cardigans, jackets, jumpers, hats, scarves and mittens can be made for a fraction of the shop bought price. Cheap sources of wool include Home Bargains, B and M and Wilkinsons.

Happy days with your little one.

sb44

I would think the main Old Style way is to stay at home and bring them up yourself ie not going back to work.

threemuttleys

sb44 wrote: »

I would think the main Old Style way is to stay at home and bring them up yourself ie not going back to work.

not many can do that now tho sadly

oldtractor

well,its about time they took a stand and did. There are always child tax credits to apply for if low waged. Its invaluable,staying at home to look after the family.

freudianslip

I don't have a stereotypical view on anyone's parenting. We live in a tough world and we have to do what is right for us as a family and as a person. I know some mighty fine parents who work full-time and some really rotten mothers who stay at home and visa versa

Lindy_-_Loo

I became a stay at home mum six years ago, my OH works full time and we receive tax credits. More money would be great but I want to stay at home with the boys and be there to pick them up from school etc.

I have learnt alot from this forum, I now batch cook, stop around for deals and buy reduced meat etc. I even bought another small freezer of ebay to do this and it had saved us cash.

I buy alot from ebay and car boots and how no problem with it being used.

changed where we food shop and shop around. Which does take time so being a SAHM helps. The coupon thread on here is great.

I make alot of cakes and flapjacks now for lunch boxes and stuff as its cheaper and I know how much sugar etc is in it.

hope your adoption process runs smoothly - its an amazing thing you are doing

mennie

the ultimate goal is the be a SAHM, if not forever, at Least until I am happy they are settle in school. I am saving as much as I can now to ensure I can be at home for as long as possible

freudianslip

I think living 'oldstyle' is much more than cooking, being frugal or efficient etc. It teaches us so much more about values, appreciation for the smallest of finds and the learning of techniques and trades for life. We can pass this all on to the youngsters.

Dharma_Bunny

Women have always gone out to work. Before the industrial revolution they would have been working in the home, ie. working on the farm or contributing via cottage industries.

sb44

threemuttleys wrote: »

not many can do that now tho sadly

That's right.

Most couples both have to work to repay their mortgage payments, never mind anything else.

It is difficult on one wage but it all about making do with what little you have.