My three kids aged between seven and 11 share ONE cramped bedroom so we can afford holidays
Despite admitting she could afford a bigger place, Crystal opted to "sacrifice" separate rooms and rent a two-bed so the family can still afford holidays.
This has been our kids' sleeping arrangement for almost two years. They are 11, 9, and 7.
Some people would say we are…
Posting on Money Saving Mom, she shared a picture of the unusual sleeping arrangements – which include bunk beds and a mattress by the door.
She said: "Some people would say we are terrible parents for living in a house where they all have to share a room and don't have a lot of their 'own space'.
"But here's the truth: Our kids were little when we made a LOT of financial and personal sacrifices to get to the place where we are now. They don't remember those days."
Crystal added that the family can now afford swimming lessons, figure skating practice and even a long-haul holiday to South Africa because of their simple cut-backs.
She added: "We don't want them to grow up thinking that everything will be handed to them. We want them to experience short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits.
"So we've chosen to continue to rent a house that has less than ideal sleeping arrangements because it allows us to be able to save aggressively and give generously."
Crystal's aim is to save enough to buy their own house, mortgage-free, in two years' time.
And she says the small home does have its benefits – "wonderful neighbours, a beautiful kitchen" and a "great" garden.
Her fellow mums have praised her, with one admitting her four sons all share one room – with her 11-year-old daughter often bunking in too – despite living in a six-bed house.
"Humans aren't made to sleep alone!" she said. "It's the makings of long-term amazing sibling relationships."
Another mum added: "My sister and I shared a room for 8 years. Both my parents worked.
"Sacrifices were made but we were always comfortable and by being sensible in their spending and saving, my parents were able to pay for college educations, masters degrees and weddings for all 3 of their children.
"Going into my marriage debt free thanks to their sacrifice was infinitely worth having a childhood without fancy jeans and such."
In more parenting news, this babysitter was left reeling when a cheeky mum said she WON’T pay her after 8-hour shift… because she got a ‘day of fun’ and free ice cream.
Source: Read Full Article