Dear Mamas,
my family is struggling a lot financially, and I have another year of school to go. We live in a nice part of our town and could save a bit of money by moving to a different apartment, but not enough possibly. We were now offered an apartment out of which friends are moving. It's not great, and it's not in a great location, but it would save us half the rent. I am fine with the move in all ways, except for the fact that I would have to change my 2.5 yr-old son's daycare. It was hard for him to get used to going there last year, but he loves it now. It's a wonderful place with organic food, a petting zoo next door, awesome women to take care of the kids and wonderful children. I think taking him out of there will be really hard for him, and I don't know if we can find a place as nice as this one for him to go to in the crappy neighborhood (I am guessing not...) Bringing him to this one is not an option as it would be a 20-minute bike-ride and we live in a really harsh climate, so it would not work for the majority of the year.
I don't know what to do. We are drowning financially but I don't want him to have to go through such a bit change for just one more year of our stay here. We also don't have family around and being there replaces that a bit for him. Have any of you had experiences with a situation like this? Thanks for your answers.
Have you talked to the daycare? Perhaps they might have an idea on how to keep him there/get him there? You never know.
Sounds like your current day care is a gem. If you do have to make the move, reassure yourself that kids are highly adaptable, and that you might find a very caring daycare in your new neighborhood. Start making inquiries now before you commit to the move.
Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.
I believe continuity is one of the most impt things for young kids so I would not move unless you literally don't have the money for your current rent. And if this is full time daycare, the quality is even more impt than continuity. It is summer now though so is it possible to bike him until the weather changes and the amount of money you're saving would allow you to have a car for 6 months in winter and still come out ahead? Taxi's on bad weather days instead? Sounds like it's just one more year in general so maybe the math works? If not, keep looking around your current neighborhood. Lots of people move in summer...
Can you downsize in your current apartment community, say going from a two bedroom to a one bedroom or studio??
Once you are done with school, would you be able to afford where you are now? Can you 'tough it out' for another year?
Sorry about all of the questions, I feel for you and your situation! I know that you can only cut back so much... I'd hate to see you go through the stress and expense of moving just to get through one year.
On the positive side, you never know- there may be a wonderful place for your son in your new neighborhood. Good luck, I really hope things work out for you!
How much does your son's daycare cost?
It sounds like an expensive, type of daycare.
You don't have a car to drive him to and from, if you move?
Bicycling him to daycare from the other place... you said would take 20 minutes. That is not long. With a car, it will probably take a shorter time.
Harsh climate? In Los Angeles?
Where in L.A.?
I've lived there. The weather was not harsh.
And you only have 1 more year of your stay there??? What do you mean? What happens after 1 year? You are all moving elsewhere?
You will be done w/school in 1 more year?
You go to school... and also work?
Or just going to school and not working?
What is your Husband or boyfriend doing? Is he working?
Can he not get a 2nd job?
Your child is already in daycare.
Turtle:
Los Angeles has a harsh climate? I have lived there...I think it snowed all of ONCE while I lived there.
Which is more important to you? Financially surviving and not being homeless or having your son adjust to a new environment?
When you say "bad location" are you talking gun fights at night? High Crime - what?
You had posted that you have a roommate - did she move out?
Can your husband get a better paying job?
Have you applied for Section 8 housing?
Have you done everything you can - like borrowing books from the library - to get your finances under control? I strongly suggest Dave Ramsey or Suze Orman to learn how to control your finances and live within your means.
have you talked to your landlords to see if there is anything they can do to help you save money on rent?
have you talked to the school you are going to to see if you can get a loan to help with living expenses?
Have you talked with your church to see if they can help you?
Have you talked with any charitable organizations to see if you qualify for any financial aid?
Have you tried or can you get a part time job to help out with the finances?
I'm torn. I personally wouldn't move to a "bad" part of town, even if it meant I would save $400 a month. The life of my children and my life is more important than money.
I have more questions than answers for you. I don't see LA as being a "harsh" climate and I put the life of my children ahead of money.
I am so confused it hurts. You are going to school and working but struggling financially. If you move your rent is cut in half but you can't work but you still want your child in day care?
Where I went to University there was a day care center on campus for students. Does yours not have that? Most large colleges do. Go to the student center and inquire!
For those questioning where T. lives and other questions, see this post of hers (she actually now lives in Germany): http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/6151467721075851265
I only scanned the post above and I imagine you don't have a car or other alternative transportation, but I would have a hard time removing my child from such a great daycare unless we had done everything we possibly could to cut back and were about to lose our home/apartment.
Do you still have a roommate? Job prospects available for you while you're finishing your graduate degree? I know you feel like you're out of answers, but if you haven't already, really try thinking outside of the box to see how you might be able to keep your child in this daycare. Also, how bad is this new neighborhood? The money isn't worth the crime or danger to your family. Is it possible there is a happy medium of a place to move that can lower your rent, but still keep you somewhat close to the daycare without putting your family in danger?
I wish you all the best.
