From the mouths of babes ....

tori.k

sometimes we do need to get creative were kids are concened https://www.skiptomylou.org/.../how-to-make-fabric-storage-baskets/‎ then teach your daughter to use the word bespoke rather than homemade

cant get the link to work but there are loads of fabric storage tutorials out there.

fiftyeighter_2

Sometimes I think we all wish we could have a more beautiful home. It's common nature I suppose.
I came from a very large family, 15, yes 15 counting me. My poor mum. We never had a lot, you can imagine but my mum was the worlds best. And that is what I remember. I have a comfortable home but not posh. The paintwork needs doing, my wardrobes starting to fall apart. Various things need doing. But my daughter always seems to have her friends here. They choose to be here than at other friends who have really posh homes. I think they may appear to have everything materialisticlly but how much debt are they in? Do there children appreciate what they have? Of course I want..... And my daughter wants.... But we both truly appreciate things when we,ve had to struggle to purchase said items.
You are doing marvellous and your daughter will grow up to be a lovely young lady.

StarMummy_2

How about hanging a drape/curtain infront of where she stores her clothes? that would look really cute in a nice fabric

meg72

Have you considered a canvas wardrobe these are quite cheap and would be easy to get into the attic and assemble.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=fabric+wardrobe&!!!!!mh0a9-21&index=aps&hvadid=3171241473&ref=pd_sl_8dwqkz4vd0_e

Toonie

As a child we never had much and I vividly remember getting to the end of the month and Mum making scones, cakes and crumbles (as a child it was fab-as an adult I realise we had no money). What we did have though was a welcoming home and somewhere friends were always welcome to come.

If you are on Facebook check to see if there is a local "sell or swop" group. I'm part of a couple in my bit of London and you get all sorts come up and there are lots around the country.

Hope things get easier for you soon :-)

Butterfly_Brain

Do you have a reuse centre nearby? They are much cheaper than charity shops and usually have discounts for those on benefits.

I found these on google

http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/ormskirk/business-guide/feature/west-lancashire-community-recycling-service

http://www.exselcic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=28

http://www.lancashirecarpetrecycling.co.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-22026455

FairyPrincessk

It strikes me that there are a couple of different things happening here.

The first is how to reply to people who ask questions about why your home/clothing/food/car/whatever does not meet their personal expectations. While a child may not be aware of it, or even intend it, these are actually rude questions! Don't beat yourself up over not quite knowing how to respond. I think the ideas above are good ones, as is "why do you want to know?" "We have other financial priorities" and "We're saving to invest in quality."

The second issue is that you feel you can't give your daughter what you would like for her to have. I'd suggest you definitely check out the sites listed above, read the shabby shic forum, and maybe check out pinterest (i.e. this page? http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=kids%20storage) Then, make a list of what things you would like to be able to store in your daughter's room. You might find you can do many of the small things for little or no cost. For larger things you can research what you'd like and start saving. It sounds a little like you're overwhelmed by it, so breaking it down will help you make progress on things that don't cost money and make sure that you know exactly what you're working toward.

The third issue seems to be that you don't want your daughter to feel ashamed. I'd suggest you talk to her about her room. You may find that she was simply baffled by the questions and that her room isn't a priority for her. Or, you may find that she is bothered by it, but the things she is bothered by might not be clothing storage..but x,y, or z. Perhaps you can make it a fun project for the two of you to 'do up' her room (if this sounds like something she is worried about). Explain that you don't have a lot of money, but that you think it would be fun to come up with creative ideas. Maybe look at the pinterest boards together, come up with some dream ideas and see what you can manage. This might also be a way for her to ask your dad for something (i.e. could he put up some shelves etc.) as a present for xmas, birthday etc.

Overall, big hugs it sounds like you're doing a fantastic job. I read your post this morning and it stuck with me all day--I just wish i could reach out and hug you!

zippychick

as this has dropped down the OS board, ive moved it to the families board for you

Zip

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

kjmtidea

Totally agree with all the suggestions so far, especially the one about bespoke rather than handmade
I would definitely have a look on the facebook groups, there are some bargains on mine. Also ask around if anyone is getting rid of some furniture, some people are happy to give it away as long as you collect it.

I'm off to look at the pinterest link now thanks!

Lieja

You sound like a brilliant mum K9s

I have a similar problem with my OH's daughter, although I have no children so she says these things to me! She has wealthy grandparents on her mum's side so she's constantly holidaying, out at the cinema, shopping etc, and always has new things. My OH and I have very little money and so the days we have the little'un we rarely spend money on 'doing stuff' or shopping.

Last weekend she went to see Disney on Ice with her mum, and didn't have a lot to say about it. On Sunday we took her blackberry picking and made a crumble (and this was for tea as it was the week before pay day!) and she had a whale of a time.

At your DD's age, I would think she just appreciates having a loving mum and spending time with you, rather than being interested in how much 'stuff' she has. I'm sure she would absolutely love having an arty project to do with you, especially if she gets to show it off in her room!

You should be proud of yourself and thankful that things aren't the other way around - OH's daughter gets so much stuff given to her that she has no appreciation of 'special' gifts at all. Giving her her Xmas pressies is depressing more than joyful as she shows absolutely zero excitement, and the things she gets never get looked at again! It would be so much lovelier to watch a kid really appreciating things that are specially for her, and I'm sure this is how your DD feels.

I think all of the arty suggestions are great - it doesn't matter if you're a bit rubbish at art, because your DD will think you're great, and after all, I'm sure she'll want to do all the decorating anyway!