Dear Christine,
May God continue to bless you as you continue to be an advocate for his work. I’m a 31-year-old single parent, with four children living at home.
My problems are increasing day by day.My mum seems to think that she can do what she feels like at people’s expense. I cannot wash my clothes, neither press but still have to give her $75 a week. The Welfare Department pays for the light and still my children cannot watch television, and if they are using two lights at a time there is always a noise or talk about it. It is worse with the water because at times when I am bathing the children, she would barge in and turn off the pipe. Christine, I am stretched to the wire. my son has gained acceptance at a secondary school from September while the girls are moving to Class 3, Infants A and Nursery.I am trying hard to make things work on my salary $200 and a little help the Welfare Department has started recently. The sponge for the bed we are sleeping on is exposed and degraded. you can actually feel the bed board because the sponge in the mattress is not good. The mice seem to be using the bedding sponge as their home. The house is in a mess. Up until Saturday the kitchen was flooded; someone used the washing machine and the outlet for the water was on the floor. I had to clean up. My mother eats and leaves the dishes, cups, forks and spoons on the ground, encouraging the mice and rodents to keep coming. The mice are living in a cupboard where she keeps her things like lunch pans, bowls and so on. About two months ago I took it upon myself to start cleaning. she said I stole items I did not even see or touch. Christine, I have bought 12 different boxes of [glue]traps and majority of them have caught two-three mice at a time. These are not healthy conditions for my children, so this is why I am taking this step in seeking help. I’ve been to the National Housing Corporation and signed up for help in any area, whether a house to rent or purchase – still there has been no help.Christine, I am really in agony because with this situation going on my children are rebellious; their grades have been dropping. Please, I need to hear from you or anyone out there who can help in any way. Thanks for publishing publish my letter.
– Distraught MumDear Distraught Mum, You need to recognise that no one owes you anything, not even your mother. As such you are responsible for the upbringing of your children and your own welfare. You cannot continually depend on your mother. I accept and understand that these are trying times, but you must be prudent, innovative and put things in place to resolve your difficulties. You did not mention the children’s father or fathers who must have a role in their upbringing beyond merely providing a small monetary contribution. Can the paternal relatives help? I would suggest that you continually outline your plight to the NHC; speak to your parliamentary representative and also ask the Urban and Rural Development Commissions for any help possible. It is hard raising three children and earning minimum pay, but despite the challenges you need to take one of the courses offered at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic or National Training Board. This is one way to help change your fortunes.
– Christine
