Sometimes it just really stings when I see how much some others can afford for their kids, how they have such great careers and living situations. I’m working on bettering myself, in school and working simultaneously while I have a child, a step child, and a baby on the way. But I hate how I can’t give my child better things, how financially impacted we are. For my kids birthday I went to the dollar store and got cheap gifts for her. She is happy with them, but then I see family members send pics of their kids in new clothes, playing with giant brand new expensive toys, and it hurts my heart knowing how much my child would love to play with them. How do you not feel guilty or feel like you’ll always be trapped? The worst is that sometimes it’s hard entertaining my kid because we don’t have those big fun fancy things.
Those are just material things. I prefer to go places and make memories with my husband and daughter. Your child knows that you love her and you need to know that you’re working hard to give her the world.
You are doing wonderful! Kids don’t care about how much money you have. Don’t have mom guilt on this at all! I’ve bought dollar tree toys for my son too and he was so grateful. If you have a park near by just do that for fun, it’s what I do. If you have a yard get some cheap water balloons and have a picnic out back. Memories is what is most important. They will remember that, not some expensive clothes or expensive toys.
Loving your child is the best gift you can give and they will always remember.
You’re going to get there one day! It sounds like you are working to better all of your futures. Things take time. I have felt the same soon after my divorce when I couldn’t afford anything for my son or I. TIME is more precious than money or possessions. It doesn’t matter if it’s free, it’s the feelings that they get and the memories that’ll last a lifetime!
I always taught mine that most of the time their will be those that have more and those that have less. We count our blessings and live a thankful life. 
I guarantee your baby thinks you and everything you do for them is amazing. Material things aren’t what’s important. As your child grows up they will remember the love and who was there.
Guess how many of my kids “had to have toys” they kept track of?…lol like none. I do understand how you feel. But just know that that doesn’t make you a bad parent, nor does it mean they have a bad childhood. Memories are most important. Just sitting and coloring with them, reading a book, anything. You’re doing great
It’s not about having nice things, but always about having close memories:+1: low income, and a hard working single mom here…dont forget what the real importance of life is. Things…they are just things. 
I have been there financially and honestly my kids were and are fine. We had fun experiences and good memories and they will remember that more than something that I bought them. As they get older you can explain a bit and usually they are better about it than I was.
Your kid is happy. You’ll get there one day to be able to spend a little more but what they want and need is your time and attention. Sounds like you are doing great
Your kids will remember the time spent with them, not what they had. But how to not feel guilty? Keep working your way up. Keep trying, keep doing. They will see your effort. Good luck, you got this!
On the bright side, they will probably grow up to be generous and caring humans. Often those with the least growing up tend to be the most cognizant of another person in need.
My child’s favorite store is the dollar store. And we’re not wealthy by any means, but at least my daughter lives very very comfortably, and it’s still her favorite!!! Plus she forgets about her toys 5 days after getting them anyways, so it’s a win win
The love you have and give to your child will always be better than any gift honestly
I will be super honest with you…single mom here who does without a lot. I feel you so hard when you say this. I have had to learn how to shop sales. I always buy clothes at the was of season for next season. I size up. Toy wise, they get toys in birthday and Christmas. It’s the best I can do. Remember it isn’t about things. It’s about growing well rounded children, they don’t need to be spoiled, they need love.
I had a very happy amazing childhood and had VERY few toys. I appreciated the ones I had and kept them until adulthood. I wasn’t spoiled but was always loved. My favorite “toy” was called OUTSIDE. I loved playing outdoors.
Your children will be fine.
My advice is to not pay to much attention to what you see others post or brag about. Most people, even family only post or take pictures of the good times not the bad. Some even lie about it or stage to impress. As long as your child has the necessities and is loved, that is all that matters. You will achieve what you want as long as you keep the drive to want that for yourself and children. We all go through tough times and you shouldn’t feel guilty, for not having the money to spend on things she will out grow quickly anyway. Put that money away for her milestones when you have it. It will be worth it. 
Memories last a lifetime… Remember that !! 
It’s going to come mama. Keep up the hustle. It’s going to pay off. U got this!!
You are doing what you can afford to do…
It definitely is not the expense of the gift it’s the love and the thought…
Your child will grow up more appreciative and respectful
Your children will be thankful for your presence and not your presents. Love them, teach them and cherish them, they are the most important things to a child. And you don’t need fancy trips or expensive toys, pack a picnic lunch and take them to a park, you said you buy things from the dollar store, make crafts with them, make an adventure book together and go on scavenger hunts. It’s all about the memories❤️
Things don’t make children happy, it’s love and time. One year I was able to do more than usual, the kids play with a large box that day, not them toys.they would get in the box, push each other. They had a blast with a box. Cost of box zero. We laugh and had a good time
The best gift you can ever give your child is time, love, attention and affection
Take them to a park pack a picnic lunch fly a kite go to a beach build sand castles libraries often have legos metro parks in central ohio have different focus historical farm bisons
Eagle hiking trails nature centers all free
Enjoy material things are not nearly important as time and experience Enjoy
I used to feel the same way and told my kids this once. My youngest said “it’s okay, it makes the expensive things more exciting when we only get them sometimes.”
I’m sure your daughter feels the same way when she gets excited for dollar store gifts.
Kids love people spending time and doing things with them , it builds connections and memories.
I can’t afford nice things either…and I don’t ever feel bad… And my kids don’t notice that they don’t have nice things… As long as their are fed, clothed and warm… That’s what matters most
Kids don’t need all those big fancy things . What they do need is parents that spend time with them and love them .
If your doing the best you can then no need to feel guilty, I was a single mom and always worked 2 or 3 jobs so my son had what every other kid had. But if you can’t do that maybe the dad can get a 2nd job till you get on your feet
Kids remember experiences. They don’t remember what toys you bought them. This is an issue with us as parents. Kids just remember the time we spent with them and the amount of love we show them.
It’s about the time you spend with them. Starting out we didn’t have a lot either; but things like coloring together, reading together, cooking simple things together, or spending time at a public park together, these are what they will remember. Mine are grown now, and never do I ever hear them talk about the toys they had (or didn’t have) but they DO reminisce about our fun times together as a family. A favorite was always game night. It didn’t matter how simple the game, it mattered that we were all together. We did it every Thursday night. And we did it right up until they became adults and left home. Another time they remember fondly is a (rare) time it snowed and their dad pulled them on a makeshift sled made out of an upside down old car hood. It’s about the time together; not the money spent.
P.U.S.H
Pray
Until
Something
Happens
Keep pushing, your greater will come. Stay humble and teach those babies to be humble and watch God move in your lives.
In the end of it, your child won’t remember the things you did or didn’t buy, but the memories you made. 
Do you remember what you got for your birthday? She remembers doing things with you. Simple things like a picnic or goung to the beach/woods/hiking/take bike rides.
Listen. I was a single mom with my kids its not about what u get or how much was spend its about spending time with them. There where times I could not afford anything for Christmas or birthdays. Don’t beat yourself up, I’m sure your a wonderful mother. It’s all about the memories 
Please, please don’t worry abou. t things. It’s the memories of the times you spend together that matter most . One of my fondest memories is of my 5th birthday . When my 12 year old cousin came ahead of my aunt and uncle and her brother, in the snow , to be there to be the first to celebrate
Love them unconditionly, teach/model the gospel and all will be well.
Mom guilt is heavy, but I’ve been in both situations. My kids play with the cheap hot wheels and dinosaurs more than anything else.
The very best presents are time spent with your child x they don’t remember gifts they do remember time and what you all did together xxx
Stop comparing yourself to others. It’ll make you crazy & it’s so unnecessary. As long as your kids know you love them & you spend time with them, it’s good. The most mundane things make the best memories. Eating dinner together even if it’s hot dogs. Going for a walk around the neighborhood. Singing songs together.
Save what you can & invest in training for better jobs, which it sounds like you’re doing. Network like crazy.
Enjoy your life and be grateful for every small blessing. Keep looking for the positive side of everything and you will be much happier and so will your family.
My daughter said that by not having money after my divorce she learned to be more resilient, resourceful and independent. My son said no matter what, he never doubted he was greatly loved. That’s what matters.
Seeing you work hard despite struggles and setbacks, you are a great role model for your 3 kids. Don’t have more children until you’re in a better financial position, though.
Good luck and you are Wonder Woman for accomplishing all you do! Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
You loving them is what they will remember, making positive memories and loving them endlessly is ultimately what matters. Please try not to compare yourself to anyone. Chances are those big expensive gifts are hiding something, better yourself like your doing and you’ll be in a position to do those things if you choose. You are doing the best you can and that is absolutely all that matters. The fact you care and are worried about it already makes you an amazing momma. You got this! I can’t remember what I got for my 5th birthday but I remember who was there…xoxox
My about to be 6yr old wanted a tablet we found one for 50$ brand new at the exchange and speakers for his TV which is really a computer monitor with the Blu ray hooked up to watch movies. To him it’s amazing and brand new and is soo excited . You make due with what you have.
They won’t remember it dear… they’ll remember the TIME you spent with them, the laughs and smiles you had together. Those are the things that matter.
I remember when I was struggling I bought my 4 year old son gifts at dollarama because that was all I could afford at that time. He was still just as happy as any kid with expensive gifts. When I tell him the story now he looks back and couldn’t believe we were poor because he didn’t see that, he was happy. Just keep on and going, don’t stress about things you cannot control. It gets better mama, you just gotta make it happen, slowly but surely.
It’s about the time, and love you give your kids. Things come and go, but love stays forever. I didn’t have a lot of money raising my kids but we spent a lot of time together doing free stuff.
Its better to give them love affection and quality time fly more than material things. Speaking from experience.
My daughter grew up in a house where extra money was nonexistent barely enough to cover daily living expenses. She is now 23 hard working and the other day she thanked me for all the fun times we had when she was growing up. You eat lunch and dinner everyday do something simple like a picnic in the park. Lay blankets outside and count the stars at night. In the long run those are the things your children will remember and cherish. And the extras you can afford will be loved thst much more
I’m not a materialistic person. I use to be. Then realized those spending a small fortune on gifts etc., the kids don’t remember. They remember who were there for them. The memories and who showed up for them. Stop wanting what others have and make your life yours. You never know what goes on behind closed doors of those that “look better off”. The majority of the time- the bank owns everything or everything is on credit. Do you. Create memories with your family. Don’t worry about what everyone else has. Life will fall into place as it should
You just keep doing what you’re doing mama, I know it’s hard, trust me. You teach her that it’s not about the material things, and you give her love, I’m not saying those other kids don’t have that, but some don’t, some are given extravagant things but don’t have the time or love from their parents
Maybe it will motivate them to become a doctor or something in the future also appreciate the little things!! Think positive.
She’s not going to remember what she got for her birthday or what toys she had she’s going to remember the memories you make with her
You don’t need big fancy toys . I promise you I was a single mom for a lot of years and it’s quality time you spend with them. My kids got summer cloths from thrift stores . I saved for birthdays and Christmas a little at a time to give them one special gift of something they wanted. Don’t worry about material things honey. It’s the time and memories you build with them. Go to parks 0 dollars. Go outside and blow bubble and do chalk on the driveway. Watercolor paints outside . So much you can do. Get them to use their imagination
It’s about the time spent together and the memories made - your relationship with your child- not materialistic items. Do not compare yourself to others. Majority of people are struggling - you’re not alone and the fact you’re not staying in the same spot is progressive and great
I feel that it’s not about how much you spend on a gift it’s about trying your best to make your children happy and make memories. I mean i feel like kids don’t appreciate things when you spoil them. They expect more and more. I buy my kids expensive stuff but they don’t even play with most of the toys. I brought my kids books and they were so happy. In my eyes money doesn’t mean much when it comes to clothes especially they grow out of them.
The things are not what’s going to make the memories. The time that you spend, the attention she gets that’s what will make the long term memories
I was a single mom on a very tight budget. My girly had nice things, but they were from resale shops and garage sales. Now that she is an adult, she and I reminisce about shopping for doll clothes at the St. VINCEN de Paul Society or buying her new dress there. They were great memories. Children remember the memories not the stuff! Make fabulous memories by playing g together or going on free adventures to different parks. They children will remember that forever.
My parents were millionaires, i would have chosen less things, and less money over some of the things your child has…. I promise!!
Do the best you can, memories are not founded on money, but feelings and experiences!
My mother-in-law was a widow raising 4 kids. She had very little money. On their birthday’s, she would let the child choose a special dinner. She always baked a cake. That’s what her children remember, not what present they got. She saved all year so she could buy one special Christmas present for each of them. The other gifts were things they needed. Her children grew up to be successful, generous adults! Love was always the best gift!
I don’t remember much if what I had growing up. Maybe a memory here and there of a friend having something I didn’t. I remember all the inexpensive last minute trips we would take and random things we would do. Those are my favorite memories. I think about that whenever I think about how I can’t afford tye new iPhone and Disney land for my kids. We are making awesome memories they will remember.
Spending time with your child is more important than anything you can buy for her. Make memories!!!
Be a good mother and that’s realot enough
Kids don’t care! My 2yr old thinks a toilet paper roll is awesome lol
One thing I have learned as a single mom to 4 growing boys.
They will never remember how much money you spent on them but they will remember the memories that you make with them.
I can’t afford all the nice things the other kids have but I can afford to make the best memories with them with what we do have. your doing a good job mama
Kids don’t remember what gifts they receive they remember the memories made.
Love them! There is no amount of money and stuff that could replace LOVE.
My husband and I sure struggled earlier on in our marriage. We never (I mean NEVER) even could afford to go to the restaurant to eat! Our folks took us out occasionally. We now are a lot more cozy as he has advanced in his career and I went back to work after bringing up babies (our youngest is almost 5). We lived in a house < 1000 sq ft until 6 years ago (with 5 kids and a dog)! We had strict budgets and very few extras. Our kids survived, and I dare say—thrived. We have grandbabies who are now growing up in our tiny house full of love.
You’ll be fine. 
I totally agree with thrift stores, church thrift are the BEST! I get new with tag name brand clothing all the time. You can find quality items for a fraction of the price.
Spend time with your kids, in stead of money. Play with them, without watching your phone or the time, be PRESENT - tea party with jelly en pb sandwiches, selfmade dough with dollarama cookie cutters, karoake with their songs and silly danceparties.
The changes are big that the other family kids will be jealous because of the time you spend with yours and the fun you have.
Your time will come, don’t compare yourself - be positive💚
Teach your child that materialistic things aren’t important. They will be a better more rounded person for it.
Why feel guilty? Give your kids attention and adventures. Go for hikes and have picnics. Read books and watch movies together. There are so many things you can do to make memories instead of buying them things. They’ll remember what you did with them far more than what you bought.
Here is your answer: I am in my mid sixties and have traveled all over the U.S. I have met many a family look on line or in the newspaper for yard sales and estate sales. I also only go to very good neighborhoods for the good stuff. The first day of the sale is regular price, second day is 1/2 and third day if 75% or make an offer. I could go on and on about all the good deals. Go back right before closing and people have said — just take it all.
I’m 38 years old. My most special, childhood memories don’t involve expensive presents at all… just family presence.
Monopoly nights, movies nights at home with our fave snacks. Park dates. Lake walks. They are the times that mean the most when I look back. It’s the people in the memories, not the $$.
The fact that you are worried about this at all, demonstrates the fact that you’re already a great Mum.
Time is what matters most. Just love them.
Your love and support is more important that things. Kids w8ll remember who was there…not what was bought for them.
The love you give your child is priceless and more important than anything you will ever buy them.
Trust me kids want your time & attention more than money. I wish I would have realized that when my kids were young. I spent so much time working long hours and missed their childhood.
Their adults now & their favorite memories are of us watching movies, going to the library or driving in the car. Not one mention of new sneakers, the best prom dresses, or new phones!!
Thank god for grandchildren 
If this helps- as an adult woman I literally do not remember or neither care about what stuff I had. I only care about who gave me their time, patience, love and understanding. Children actually don’t need much all they need is YOU! But the consumers society that we live in makes you believe otherwise. You’re doing great 🩷🫶🏻
Comparison is a thief of joy. Your kids won’t know others “have it better” unless you or someone else points it out.
Your kids just want you. Be present. Be loving and caring. Be funny, make memories.
We all go through the same stages in life… im a father meself and iv been through it heaps… being a Dad I told my self its not what others have, its whats in front of me… if my kids are happy… Dads happy 
kids won’t remember the price tag but will forever be grateful for a mother/fathers time and love. Teach them and show them while they are young its the small wins that matter the most because it adds all up at the end 
You got this 
Its better for cheap things makes them be thankful for it some spoiled kids not friendly be proud momma
You can always find ways to entertain your kids without having big expensive things.
You will only feel guilty if you don’t think outside the box. The kids will remember the memories you make for them, not the $200 gift you got them one year for their birthday.
Go to the park
Side walk chalk
Plan a movie night at home
Board games
Bake together
If y’all have bikes ride them,
Hopscotch
Jump rope
Run through the sprinklers
Build a blanket fort
Camp out in the backyard/ living room.
I’ve done all this with my boys.
Just think outside the box and you’ll be fine. But first you have to know as long as you are trying that’s all they care about. They just want you to be present in their life
If your child is happy you are doing fantastic. A lot of the time, when people post pictures remember it’s what they want people to think, an illusion.
The things don’t make u .ur values do. Do t feel bad half of this people are on rental assistance that’s y they can afford what they can … Don’t beat urself up be proud.
Save a little each paycheck to put toward their birthday gift, so you can buy them something nice. Kohl’s has nice clothes & they often send out 30%/40% off coupons. I can get shirts for $3 if I wait for the good sales which are usually about 2 times a year. Cheaper than the clothes that are sold at resale shops!
Spending time with your children and making memories is what they will remember.
The best advice I ever received, (from my doctor) before my child came along, is that all a child really needs is LOVE and ATTENTION.
Children will forget about their beautiful new clothes and big expensive toys. But they will always remember and thrive due to the Love and Attention they received from their parents.
It’s this sage advice that gets me through the “tough times”
Hang in there Mama❤️
May you be comforted by the fact that your kiddies have a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, clean clothes and clean running water, on tap (which, to so many communities around the world, is a privilege 
)
Trust me when I say your kids won’t remember that you struggled well they were growing up .My husband and I struggled for years and didn’t have our head above water until we’ll into our 40’s.My now adult kids who now struggle because they are still young and raising small children have no recollection of us not having money when they were little . Just keep pushing forward and love your children .
I know it’s hard not to feel bad when you are providing less in terms of “nice” ie material things than some of your family and friends. I’ve been there (still live on a really tight budget) and when I look back with my kids on times we’ve been really struggling they remember these times as fun. Times when we played flashlight bingo on our camping trips, swimming in a lake and the unique gifts. They don’t remember them as cheap and they’ll probably never know they came from the dollar tree. Find ways to create fun memories and don’t compare yourself to your friends. Sometimes they are also struggling but living on credit or overextending themselves financially.
Just remember mama, you do what is best for your family. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $100 toy or a $0.50 toy, children are always grateful for any little thing. But I can tell you this, your child(ren) will cherish the memories and love you give and make with them more than material things. Are they nice to have? Sure, but sometimes we don’t always need to buy the most expensive gift, or throw the most fancy parties. Your child will feel loved no matter how much you spend. Money is just that, money. But your love is never ending and priceless. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re doing an amazing job and I’m sure your kids appreciate every little thing you do. Often times as a parent we worry about our child’s “feelings” about fancy gifts because little Sally got a lot of expensive gifts, but at the end of the day, as long as your children are taken care of, loved, and can see/feel that, that’s all that matters. Don’t lose sleep over it! You’re rocking motherhood and congrats on the blessing you’re carrying now
I was where you are when I first got married. We didn’t have the fancy nursery and new things like everyone else did. My husband and I worked hard to get where we are today. 40 years together and we are comfortable and I am able to take care of my grandkids so my daughter and her husband can work for their dreams. I graduated nursing school at 36. My husband has a great job through hard work. It’s not the things that you can give your kids. It’s the moments you can give them. Time with them is the best gift you can give them. I promise you that. Don’t get discouraged. Set your sights on a dream for yourself and chase it. Anyone can dig their way out and reach the top if they put their minds to it. My middle child was 8 weeks old when I went back to school the first time. I started as a medical assistant. They have trade schools that don’t take forever to get a degree. Don’t make excuses. Fight for the dream
Honestly I quit getting my kids toys at all… we’ve been doing experiences and family trips instead and they far more enjoy that than getting some “toy” and those memories last a lifetime vs a toy that will end up in a toy box
I know how you feel. I was in your situation not too long ago. It’s especially hard because kids don’t understand finances. It will get better though. Now is the perfect time to teach your children the difference between wants and needs. If they’re happy with what they have, than you shouldn’t worry about what they don’t have. They certainly aren’t concerned about it. When I was struggling at my worst, I reached out to family members who had children a little older than mine, and asked them for hand me downs. I didn’t have to buy new clothes for my son until he was like 6. One year for Christmas, my sister and I swapped toys. I gave her things that my daughter never played with, and she gave me things that my niece didn’t use. The kids never knew the difference. We also swapped clothes as well. When it came to back to school shopping, I’d pick up what I could when I could. I don’t know where you’re located, but if you’re able to, try shopping at The Children’s Place. I always shop their clearance items. The best part is, everything ships free. I’ve literally gotten jeans for under $5 and shirts for just about $1. Because of doing things like this, I was also able to get the necessities while being able to maintain my bills.
Don’t worry about today. Your effort in making things memorable for your children matters more than what gifts you can give them. You have a vision of providing more for them and if you work hard enough you will be able to. Be responsible with your money. Put money aside for your kids and save it up for special holidays and events. Always keep a savings for each child, whether its just $5/mo -$500/mo every dollar will add up and you would be able to do more for them. Money management really matters especially when you have a family.
A kid doesn’t need fancy / expensive things to be happy , some times ( not always ) parents try to compensate their absences with material things.
The best one more valuable thing you can give to your kid is your time and love .
You do not need to have a lot of money to create memories and to have fun . You can go to the park , splash park , the library , you can have movie night, picnic etc
You’re in school, bettering yourself & doing everything you can to give them a better life. That’s something to be proud of. Material things really aren’t everything. I didn’t have much as a kid but I had a mom (& dad) who loved me, who were always there & never gave up. That’s what I remember most & that’s probably what your kids will remember too. Also, my kids love dollar tree 
I grew up poor and missed out on a lot and my son now understands that as well and also know that we may want things to sit there looking pretty and cool but in the end where are the memories material items don’t really give you the actual memories of what you did etc as a child. I remember a girl who was supposed to be a friend get jealous of a second hand bike I got that my dad built from 2nd hand parts and form then on when ever we got something new her parents had to go the next level and buy something newer or bigger just to make her happy in the end that caused for her parents to go bankrupt and loose our friendship. You do feel guilty for things but in the end it’s not what you give you child it’s what you do and what time you do with your child.
The saying we had growing up was never keep up with the Jones. Just because people may have something a little bigger or better doesn’t mean they are truly happy.
Honestly, my kids are so spoiled, but would rather get some fried chicken, eat it at the park and play. The things they remember and enjoy most is quality time.
God doesn’t love them more because they have fancy clothes or toys he loves us all equally and That’s what matters. You being a good mother to them no matter what the situation is, is what matter’s. I can guarantee in 20 years they won’t remember the toys they had. They will remember how you made them feel loved no matter what the circumstances were. Just love on those babies mama that’s all you need to do.
Utilize programs in your area while you’re in that in between phase. I still go to food distributions, get clothes for my daughter second hand and then buy what’s still needed after, etc🤷♀️ It’s really the only reason we do have any kind of “extra money” like ever, cause if I didn’t do these things, we would barely scrape by still!
These programs exist bc ppl remember what it was like to be trying your best but still drowning.
But money aside all year around till birthday or Christmas
Material things can’t replace the love that you give them. When we grow up we don’t remember the toys that we had so much as the love we had growing up. Parents have the ability to make their children feel treasured, loved, & valued or the opposite. Giving them things isn’t going to change that. Love them. That’s enough