The arrival of a child can bring a wide range of financial pressures from dealing with the pressure of being the sole earner, coping with the day to day living expenses or worrying about the long term costs of college. In this section dads' share how becoming a father has affected them financially.

"This is my wifes and I third attempt at having a baby hopefully 3rd time lucky as we lost the other 2 at the 24 week stage and the 12 week stage. You buy stuff just to let it sit for no reason, get rid of it and then have to buy it all again" "I feel much more incentive now to earn good money for the 'family'. Before it was just for me and my wife and she earned, so if I didn't need any more there didn't seem much incentive to go looking for more." "We talk more about money than we used to. It feels so domestic and boring. Wish we just had enough and didn't need to worry about it." "I also miss not having so much money to play with. We were very lucky and never really thought about money when we were both earning, but now it is so different. Talking about overdrafts is not very stimulating." "I don't resent my kids for making me poor! But do wonder how on earth we will get them through college if they want to go. There are so many things you should be putting money away for, but most people I know are living for today and hoping for a miracle sometime in the future." "Can't work out how anyone comfortably affords to live in the South East these days. Buying a house in the Home Counties must be a powerful contraceptive. Any sort of property requires two incomes to cover it."

If you find you are struggling with any aspect of parenting including financial problems you can find help and support through:

SUPPORT LINK

PARENTLINE PLUS Parentline Plus gives parents somewhere to turn before a problem becomes a crisis. They provide help and information to anyone looking after a child. If you don't feel able to talk to those around you try calling Parentline Plus free helpline where you can talk to someone in confidence about your worries. Free helpline: 0808 800 2222 Free textphone helpline: 0800 783 6783 (for people with hearing or speech impairment) Parentline Plus also offers information on parenting courses. www.parentlineplus.org.uk

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