I was bumping on your question another time and was wondering how you’re going these days xx

And you don’t fail your kids when they don’t get brand new toys and second hand clothes ! Love is far more important. Look also into family assistance via Centrelink

You’re not a failure ! There’s only so much what we can do !
Not good that when you feed your kids you don’t have enough to feed yourself !!
Wish you lived besides me, I would welcome you at my dinner table and for the kids to play and catch up over a cuppa.
You could try and get help from a food bank and get NDIS funding for your daughter with disabilities

Firstly, you are looking out for your kids, doing your best for your kids, so you are not a failure. Secondly, get onto that scummy ex for child payments. They’re his kids to, he is legally obligated to support and look after them.

Any mum who is doing her absolute best is not failing her children. Give yourself a pat on the back for the work you are doing.

Be kind to yourself. You are doing an awesome job and your children will know you are doing your best. If you feel you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.

You sound exhausted and doing the best you can . If you pop into the charity shops such as Vinnies or Salvos you will find a mix of new and second hand items . They exist due to generous donations from the public and I am sure you will find something suitable for you and the kids . Kmart even sells ladies tsshirts for 5.00 now so I think it is just a matter of looking. Is there a community support centre that can give you a hand as well as I have heard they can be a great Godsend when needed . Hope you find help soon .

What a dilemma! Firstly, kids don’t need a heap of money spent on them to be happy, they just need your time and love. Invest plenty of that into them and they’ll be just fine. As for treats for you, check out the local TAFE. They have hair, nail and beauty students that need ‘guinea pigs’ to practice on. It’s free

Start by stopping being so hard on yourself. As mums, we expect too much of ourselves which often results in major guilt issues. Rest assured, we all do the best we can for our kids, as long as they know they’re loved and safe, they will survive and thrive

Sounds to me you are doing all you can and I’m sure that your children don’t feel you are letting them down as you are there for them. That is want they will remember. However you need support so as the comments below suggest I would encourage you contact relevant organisations.

Apologies! comment below; should read..join and not joint.

Also; please joint a support group/s; they can be a wonderful support. Good Luck!

I am so sorry to hear this; please reach out to organisations that can assist you in many ways; food, clothing and support.

I am currently going through a separation with a partner that is offering zero financial support and I myself have a disability that makes working difficult so I know how tough it can be. Depending on your child’s disabilities there are organisations that can help with the specific condition for example MS Australia are really supportive. Also, reach out to friends and family. You might be surprised at the generosity – both financially and emotionally. Surround yourself with positivity and good hearted people and your children will see goodness in the world. And you can always group a few friends together and form your own co-op to buy bulk goods to try and minimise some of your costs. And in terms of food always buy fresh because it’s cheaper than pre-packaged and processed. Maybe even try growing some of your own food if space etc allows – and kids love gardening! Good luck and keep your chin up x

Good work Katherine, positivity is the absolute key to turning your life around. Start on your Vision board too, get the kids to help pick what they want in their life, get old magazines etc and they can do their own. The more energy put to what you want the more it will overide what’s happening in your life. Just ask yourself “What else can i do” That’s it. When your lost ask that question every time. Answers will come, then do what is asked of you. If you want to talk go to my website and get my number ok. I’ll help you were i can even if it’s just a listening ear .http://future-u.com.au usually up until 9.30 on my mobile ok. Kelly

Wow sounds like you’re doing an amazing job as a mother already.. But if you are struggling, maybe reach out to some charity organisations like the Salvo’s.

You are a wonderful & loving Mother. Love is what kids need. Hold your head up with pride & go get the charitable help that’s available to you.

What a amazing mum you are, you are doing a super job and the light at the end of the tunnel will come soon

You are a wonderful and loving mother. A person who gives up a child based on their disabilities is not a father, but under the law he should be paying maintenance. Have you contacted Legal Aid and asked for their advice? It’s free and they may be able to assist in what steps need to be taken for garnishing his wages/benefits.

Kids might gripe about second-hand clothes and not the latest toy, but the things they need most are love and attention and it seems like to give that to them in abundance.

Wow, thank you all so much for your kind words. I am truly so blown away by everyones kind words. We had a rough day, rough week actually. There are some great suggestions. Tonight we did scrambled eggs and toast for dinner. I just kept thinking when the hell is this going to end. When will something amazing come alone and just change everything. I am working hard to change our lives, I study aged care. Im doing it from home when the kids sleep. I work in a restaurant afew days a week and my parents care for the kids but then all that money doesn\’t even make a dent.

I love the idea about going to a tafe for cheaper beauty options. I was given a voucher for a pedicure and a manicure yesterday, so ill try to find a day next week to go and do that. My feet hurt so much, I stand a lot and I am looking forward to the pamper.

I do need to go se St Vinnies or Salvation Army. Im down to nothing and I am desperate. Thank you all for your amazing ideas. Ill give them all a go!

First things first, I am going to think positively.