Embracing the new family dynamics and looking forward to the future with optimism
Comments
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Under 5s are not entitled to free school meals .1
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Reception aged children are entitled to free school meals. Some will still be 4 when they finish reception, two of my daughters were (as they have July/August birthdays). I have no idea how old DGS1 is. Actually thinking about it there is universal free school meals for all infants in England. That's school years Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. As a primary school teacher I can honestly say Mooloo's grandchildren would be very much welcome and certainly no burden to 'teachers giving up their Easter holidays' we are in unprecedented times. I don't know of a school which hasn't got their staff on a rota due to low student numbers so teachers' certainly are getting time off. Even when in school the directive from the government has been clear 'care' not 'education' so the workload isn't as high as normal although the current climate comes with it's own challenges.HOME
Original mortgage free date Nov 2037
Mortgage free August 2018
Additional properties
Mortgage 1 £108,000
Mortgage 2 £45,000
Teacher pension - DB scheme
LGPS pension - DB scheme10 -
The two days next week are holiday club, which is something I pay for. The following week when they should be back in school Dgs1 is entitled to go into school, and receive free school dinners.
he was 5 this week.
dgs2, is entitled to 15 free hours and I pay for an extra 3 hours a week during term times and I am entitled to send him .The school/nursery are supportive so what Wabbitwabbit thinks is irrelevant.
I am not breaking the rules and I need to work on my business and diversify what I am doing so I can earn something. I am self employed and no work means limited income just to the benefits system and I would rather earn if I can, certainly prepare for it coming out of this lockdown. I need a business model still.When I die I will know that I have lived, loved, mattered and made a difference, even if in a small way.7 -
Sorry - I should have said that children in nursery do not necessarily get free meals, unlike children in infant/primary schools.
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Good to hear you son is showing show positives signs and starting to be of help. How is his job search going? Did he get anywhere with the supermarkets who were taking on those displaced from the hospitality industry.5
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The agricultural industry is starting to appeal for workers as well.
I am glad things are better for you at home. I didn't realise dgs1 was autistic, I'm glad he got a diagnosis because I know parents with older children who struggle to get anyone to listen due to child's age.
Like other posters I feel sorry for dgd, and I worry despite your wonderful intentions coping with two more small children at your age alongside dgd just isn't realistic long term. You are already supporting Mum and babysitting biggests' children regularly, plus DS at home (I realise why he cannot move out at the moment!) on top of that.
But that doesn't mean I don't wish you well and hope things do work out.
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You really don't need to justify yourself Ss. I'm afraid I had a not again moment when I hit the keyboard. In fact I've noticed both thorsoak and I posted at the same time. Maybe we were synchronised swimmers in a former life. That ship has sailed for me , no idea about thorsoak. Worst case outcomes and scenarios are unlikely and unhelpful. You've been ill ,and broken bones too. You're not exactly on the floor but when someone is struggling there are two choices kick them while they're down or hold out a hand and help them up. I can pretty well predict when WW will appear now.It is good to read about the positives at home. I understand this is your safe place to blow off steam and with limited time and especially now when you're needing to allow those bones to heal. It's more vents and plans plus some comments on cooking , day to day life etc.You've now mentioned the improvements you're seeing which give a fuller picture. I did notice sometime recently you mentioned dgs1 was struggling with the change in routine recently. I almost asked if he could be on the Spectrum but held back as you don't like labels and I don't know enough to ask that. . It does clarify matters now. The poor little boy has had the pattern of his days shot to pieces by the Corona crisis which is scary and unsettling. You mentioned sitting behind him and holding him to protect his head. I've witnessed that many time in pupils who don't attend specialised units and can generally cope within a plan and as you mention 1 to 1 support. I'm glad you said that . It puts a different perspective on things .I used to be angry on your behalf re the late pick ups at access times etc, but lord knows how they affected him. However much you tried to establish a routine you were on a hiding to nothing if the other side weren't singing from the same hymn sheetI hope you've had some joy in your day. I've been listening to Phil Ochs who wrote " There but for Fortune" Joan Baez later recorded that song too.Also Ralph McTell (no idea why it keeps putting a space there) He wrote and recorded the Streets of London back in the sixties and it became one of those songs you always remember. He always said he would never alter it but has now written an extra verse for those on the streets struggling to self isolate. Many will remember the original but here's the extra verse.In shop doorways,under bridges,in all our towns and cities.You can glimpse the makeshift bedding from the corner of your eye.Remember what you're seeing barely hides a human being.We're all in this together brother, sister, you and I.We are all in this present situation regardless of who we are or where we came from. Kind words cost nothing.MSE mantra is be kind to all moneysavers. A safe roof is a blessing, family and friends for those who have them too. Even if they can be irritating at times. We have so much to be grateful for.Time to stop waffling Polly.I'm supposed to be watching another Vera repeat! Mind you I always remember the plot.Sleep well all. Tomorrow is another day.pollyx.It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.
There but for fortune go you and I.6 -
Hope you sleep well SsI am a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Mortgage Free Wannabe & Local Money Saving Scotland & Disability Money Matters. If you need any help on those boards, do let me know.Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any post you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button , or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own & not the official line of Money Saving Expert.
Lou~ Debt free Wanabe No 55 DF 03/14.**Credit card debt free 30/06/10~** MFW. Finally mortgage free O2/ 2021****
"A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of" Jane Austen in Mansfield Park.
***Fall down seven times,stand up eight*** ~~Japanese proverb. ***Keep plodding*** Out of debt, out of danger. ***Be the difference.***
One debt remaining. Home improvement loan.4 -
I have been asleep for an hour or so but woke to a ping on my phone. I am currently "the sewing expert" giving advice to an army of volunteers who are making Scrubs for local doctor's surgeries and hospitals. At the moment it is helping me feel useful again.
today I have managed to wash up one handed, hang out washing with the help of my forefinger and thumb on my bad hand, and before you shout at me, Dgd was sick all over the bathroom floor so I needed to sort her out. I could have asked DS but just thought I would try. I must admit I could only have one item in the sink at a time but I remembered I had to do it with little use of my left many years ago when I had lost feelings in my left side so thought I would try while DS was doing the boys lego construction with them, and he did offer when he heard me. I left big things like pans to others though, and left them to do this evenings things.
right a trip to the bathroom I think before I go back to sleep.
The house is all quiet let's hope it stays that way.
When I die I will know that I have lived, loved, mattered and made a difference, even if in a small way.6 -
I'm really glad you are involved in the scrubs project. I've been thinking how frustrating it must be not to be. All your experience will be so useful.I'd have asked ds to sort the sick but as you may remember I have a phobia when it comes to vomit. Just try not to overdo things. I'm a doer and fixer like yourself and it's frustrating to slow down for a while. Slow and steady is the way to go.As someone born a few years after the 2nd world war and a couple of days before the free NHS. Mum wasn't happy about that! I remember news reels etc recalling the efforts made by those on the home front during the war. Sewing uniforms for the forces , working in munitions etc, cooking on rations ,the land girls growing food and looking after the farms and animals.I wonder how history will view this time in the future. I've long been aware how underfunded the NHS is and many essential services cur to the bone. However if anyone had told me essential PPE would not be availabe for all on the front line I would never have believed them. It looks as though we're needed now and in other ways so many others will be.. I reckon I could knock up visors but best stick to what I know best. Ready,Steady,Sew or in your case pass on your knowledge.As John Lennon sang "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans"Hope the house remains quiet. Sleep well.pollyx.It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.
There but for fortune go you and I.7
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