Probably at the lowest point in my parenting journey

[Jewel]

You're doing fantastic, honestly. Try not to be so hard on yourself. You're doing the best you possibly can.

[Mak]

Clover - feeding and looking after your kids is the number one, you are doing that so please be kind to yourself. You have to do things sometimes to get through. xxxxxxxx

[RhiChiChi]

:-( Oh chick, this is so sad. YOu are not disgusting, far from it - you are doing what anyone would do, provide for their kids as best as you can. I hope their Dad pays you back soon, to take the pressure off.

[Kazzo]

What everyone else said is what I want to say to. If your girls were old enough to understand I bet they would be giving you the money with a big smile on their face and a hug for you

[RockingBaker]

Everyone has said it so beautifully, you're an excellent mum Clover, don't doubt yourself hun x

[Sunny Love]

I know how bad as a parent you feel for taking from them, but you've done it for survival and to avoid the manipulation (small and large) that can accompany an un-mutual seperation. There's a HUGE difference between that and being selfish.....keep doing what your doing, because it is right for you, and only you has the right to judge-not anyone else. xx

[feeb]

Hun that does not make you a bad mum it means you are resourceful and thinking of ways around things. You and your kids need to eat so you found money.

Don't feel bad you are a wonderful mum and your kids will thank you when they are older xoxo

[~clover~]

I'm not feeling so bad now. Long as I don't look at the bank

If he ever does give me money, I'll be paying them back & buying myself that bottle of Jimmy I can't afford. May as well enjoy these accusations!

[AnyDream]

I've done that. Serially. And I've always paid it back. Abundance comes in waves so when the next wave comes in you'll be able to pay it back, and even add some. Don't feel bad. The hardships you're experiencing at this time are because you're laying the foundation for a better future for your kids. That is something to be proud of.

[Starfish]

I know where you're coming from. I've been there too, and it feels horrible, but sometimes that's just the way things are. Money sux. You're doing the right thing by your kids. It will get better. Hang in there.

[purplepixie1978]

Clover, I'm with everyone else. You have done the best possible thing by your kids in relocating them. Your ex is the issue, not you. You will have time to rebuild their accounts, some day - in the mean time they will have food in their tummies and an awesome Mummy who loves them and is doing an incredible job. Hugs love.

[Gigi]

bilby got given $10 for xmas, it was assumed i banked it for her, but when i saw that $10 in the envelope, my first thought was "now i can buy bread, milk, butter etc", i felt very low doing that, so i now where you're coming from.

there seem to be alot of loopholes, to get out of playing Child Support (your ex is a case in point), the system sure needs sorting out.

i don't know your situation, but i'm reading between the lines, you might have just relocated, getting set up, buying a fridge etc. If my guess is right, setting up a new address is always an expensive thing to do, always messy. If you can survive the anxiety of a big move AND you're keeping your kids fed, clothed and safe in their beds, you're doing well Clover. Anything else is gravy.

i know, it still sucks. You would have loved NOT to ahve touched their bank accounts, i know hon.

Sometimes, you have to make choices that are not ideal. You could have chosen not to buy food. I think you made a good choice, out of the choices you had.

hugs.

[~clover~]

I know Gigi. SIL gave me a Myer gift card for my birthday recently... I was kinda disappointed I couldn't use it for bread & milk