The current recession is having its effect on many people. This can be even more of a problem for parents. It is expensive bringing up children so when parents suffer financial problems it can become even more of a problem than for others. If you have a family to support you have many more things to worry about than when supporting just yourself. And nobody wants to feel they are letting their family down.

Children are constantly growing, so need new clothes regularly; much more often than adult. They also need feeding, and all parents like to spoil their children once in a while. This all adds up, and during time of financial trouble this can be a real burden.

The recession has caused many problems making it more difficult for parents. Unemployment has risen significantly, and currently stand at a little under two and a half million in the UK. Many others have been forced to reduce their hours though, while pay rises have become less common, meaning the cost of living in real terms has gone up for a lot of people. When parents are suddenly faced with receiving no income, or a lower income than before, it can make supporting their children very difficult. With fewer jobs available, it means many who have lost their jobs have found it difficult to find work again. Manufacturing has taken a particular hit, and many in these jobs have never worked in any other industry, meaning they lack the skills to find work elsewhere.

Being unemployed has many knock on effects. Many (both due to unemployment and other reasons) have come into money problems. The number of people struggling to pay their mortgage has risen sharply causing some to lose their home, something that is unsettling for children. Unmanageable debt has also been an issue, all adding to families’ woes and making parenting even more difficult.

Single parents can especially suffer financially. To support their children they may have to work full-time, meaning the added expense of child care. Many believe this is not ideal and that it is better for at least one parent to be at home looking after the children but this is not feasible for all, especially single parents. Single parents who do stay at home, or work part-time, are obviously more likely to find times tough financially.

In the UK, as well as much of the world, family law dictates that divorced parent usually have to pay maintenance on behalf of their children. This money assists the other parent in bringing up the children. Some divorced parents have found it tough paying the normal maintenance, causing more problems for the parent living with their children. This may only be temporary due to the current climate but many need this money now. Most divorced parents want to pay for their children but it is not always that simple. Some are currently faced with a situation where it is just not possible. This can all lead to further debt for both parents living with, and without, their children.

All sorts of people are suffering due to the recession. This can be particularly hard if you have children to look after. Having children is expensive, so money troubles are going to have even more of an impact.

Andrew Marshall (c)