Starting a Family Old Style

Aarons_mummy

Don't buy into the stuff that the people *think* you need. Freecycle, car boots, sales are all brilliant for picking things up you don't need that mat that helps them to raise their head!

Don't buy into the kids need everything. Choose toys that will last and are educational rather than getting tons of stuff that will never be looked at. You also don't have to take them expensive places, a park or a walk in the woods is just as good as soft play and so much cheaper.

They don't need expensive DVDs to watch, they will enjoy something that cost £1 just as much.

Keep up with the meal planning etc and don't give up trying to get them to eat what you do, they won't starve themselves. My toddler took 18months to finally start eating the meals I prepared along with fresh fruit etc, it was a long slog but definately worth it.

When you go out take snacks, drinks etc with you, it can cost a fortune to buy just a little bottle of juice and it all adds up.

Cheaper products work just as well, currently I'm using Sainsbury basic wipes at only 18p you can get 5 packs for the same price as 1 pack of Johnstones/huggies etc.

Look out for the baby event and amazon offers and stock up when nappies are on offer if you aren't using cloth, it'll save you a ton of money.

Also look out for coupons off packs of nappies, wipes etc. Sign up to all the baby clubs they send you money off coupons not only for babies but adult things as well.

Oh and a stock of wine would be good too

Uniscots97

Mennie, its about finding what works for you. Although I didn't have a stay at home Mum (my Mum and Dad couldn't afford for only one to be working and in fact they both had more than one job to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, we're talking late 70's here), I did go to my grandparents everyday and although they did a fantastic job with me by the time I started school I'd missed out on a lot of interaction with other kids my own age (no brothers or sisters). If we're ever that lucky I've insisted that little one does go to nursery etc (24 months here) from a very young age so that they get used to interacting with kids their own age as well as adults. I found it difficult adapting to kids my own age and found I got on better with the adults than the kids. My grandparents did a sterling job and I know my parents didn't have any choice but for me I'd like possible little one to have the best of both worlds; interacting with kids their own age, getting used to other adults in time for school (I was terrified starting school) and balanced with: meals at the table (no tv on), baking cakes, growing veg and fruit, having chores to do (even from being little I had to help tidy my room), learning to sew, how to do basic car repairs (I could change a wheel at the age of 10), change a plug/fuse, how to follow a recipe and what to do if you don't have a particular ingredient (i.e. substitute an egg for vinegar), what to do in an emergency (i.e. if someone is choking, in event of a fire, powercut etc).

What I'm saying is don't beat yourself up if you find you have to return to work just make the most of the time you all have together. OS can work with working life and I think its important for little ones to have at least one working adult around them.

Hadley

When your child comes home with you you will be suprised at the amount of stuff that comes with them some foster carers send you home with lots of stuff clothes,toys,bedding which is more important than you think our little one will not part with his blankets which he had since he was born.I even have to wash them when his attenion is else where.
I am a sahm it can be done you may just have to cut back or give certain things up but it's worth while.What age range child are you adopting?
Good look.