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2 posts
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Any help at all would be great

ericb123 started this conversation
Jan 18, 2012
Hey everybody, I'm new to this site so I hope it doesn't seem like I'm begging already, because honestly I'm not. I really don't know what to do. I lost my job a little while back and fell behind on some bills. I've pretty much caught up on most of them but my cable/internet was just shut off last night. It's tough for me because my daughter is 2 and loves to watch her cartoons. My son is only 9 months old and doesn't really know much right now. I feel like a terrible father when she comes in to ask me to turn on cartoons for her. Right now I'm leeching off my neighbors internet just so she can watch something on netflix. Problem with that is, aside from it being wrong, is that sometimes it goes out. I would love to pay the bill but I have more issues. One being that I feel no matter what I pay I'm always going to be behind and I can't afford to pay it all of and fall behind on other bills. The other problem I have is that my lease is up at the end of this month and unless I find a new place to live or resign the lease they are going to increase my rent 200 dollars. I can pay the monthly cost of rent, but I just don't have the money for a deposit on a new place and we need at least a two bedroom as my kids, girlfriend and I are all in a one bedroom apartment. The electric here is outragous for some reason, so ultimately we need to move. I just don't know what to do. I feel like I'm getting frustrated and depressed. Now I'm not looking for people to fix my problems or hand me anything. I have some money but like I said it needs to be put towards the rest of the bills and I feel like no matter what I do I'm always going to be behind on this bill because I can't afford to pay it off right now. Any advice would be great, I just don't want to feel like such a terrible parent to my kids. I look forward to hearing from you guys and using this site. I also look to contribute to people anyway I can, especially once I get back on my feet.

Thanks for anything you guys can share.
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bookworm2011
Jan 18, 2012

I know all about feeling like a bad parent. When I left an abusive situation with my kids, they were about 3 and 4. We had no cable, no heat half the time, and no money all of the time. Let me tell you, children are truly resilient. They can bounce back from nearly anything it just depends how YOU as the parent reacts to situations. I told my kids the tv's were off because I wanted to read more with them and too much tv is bad. They didnt need to know about my money troubles because they are children. You just have to find the good in your situation. I know it's hard, I had a 3 year old BEGGING to watch ninja turtles and couldnt. We went to the library to watch cartoons on their computers..also checked out movies from them all the time and still do, its free and they have a wonderful selection..its a great time to get your kids interested in reading..just being at the library around books and all the free activities they offer will stimulate your kids interest... I suggest looking on craigslist for a cheap dvd player or even trying to pick up one at Walmart..they run under 30 bucks. Then if you tell me what dvds your kids like, I'll burn them for you for no cost and send to you..as for the situation with the apartment, theres little you can do to monitor electricity costs in an apartment. You have to try to find an apartment willing to let you do your down payment in installments. WIth the economy, many policies have changed and landlords are alot more understanding. You can also try to find a small house to rent as owners are sometimes desperate to get a good person in there..again they may agree to let you pay the down payment in installments..If you guys try couponing for your food and personal needs, you will save hundreds on things you need for your home. If you need more info on anything I suggested, just message me
Best of luck to your family and keep your head up, its natural to feel bad as a parent when we can't give our kids what they are used to, but it doesnt make you a bad parent. They have a roof over their heads and food and you love them, just keep trying to make progress..the kids will adjust to their situation.

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