Being an only child, I was never really the favourite, even though my parents waited ages to have me. When I was 23, about five months pregnant, I suddenly started doubting whether I was really their biological daughter. My parents are both in their seventies now and, financially, things have always been an absolute nightmare for us. Were stuck renting a flat, barely scraping by. Both me and my boyfriend are juggling uni and part-time jobs, but its nowhere near enough to cover everything. Twice we were on the brink of getting kicked out because we couldnt pay the rent and had to borrow money from mates, so now were in debt and just about managing to fork out for food. Its a constant struggle. Sometimes my folks help out, bringing over a bag of groceries, but it doesnt stretch far.
They kept pushing for us to get married, so, without much fuss, we popped down to the register office and sorted it. Straight after, they started going on about how much they wanted grandchildren.
Mum, in particular, kept stressing that I needed to have a baby, warning that otherwise, Id end up like her. But honestly, we werent ready to have kids at all. We were properly worried about the financial side of things and didnt want to rush into it. Then, out of nowhere, my parents dangled a really tempting offer in front of us. They promised to hand over what little savings they had if I had a baby, with the idea that we could finally afford a little place in a village. They would move out to the countryside, and wed keep the flat in town. Me and my boyfriend talked it over and figured it could be a real game changer no more anxiety about making rent, and those savings would go a long way for us and the baby. Mum reassured me, promising shed look after the baby so I could keep studying.
They also promised us a bit of extra cash for baby bits pram, cot, all the essentials. But now, seven months pregnant, none of that help has actually happened. Not a single nappy or baby grow has turned up. Mum rings nearly every day, wanting to know how the baby prep is going, when honestly I cant even afford the basics. Shes suggested my husband pick up a third job to make ends meet. Every time, I remind her she promised to help, but now she swears she never offered anything and constantly picks apart every decision we make, calling us irresponsible.
When our daughter was finally born, suddenly they remembered those savings, but by then, me and my husband were so fed up, we decided to save up ourselves and buy a flat on our own. Turns out, we just couldnt count on anyone but ourselves.
