**Diary Entry**
Before the divorce, I managed everything to do with our child on my own, but later I had to find a nannymy ex-husbands mother. At first, I asked if she knew anyone who could help, but she offered to do it herselffor a fee, of course. My salary isnt much, and I need to be careful with money.
At work, I have a colleague whos struggling. She doesnt take care of herselfnever visits a beautician. I often wonder where her wages go. She lives with her parents, doesnt have a mortgage like others, and her ex-mother-in-law looks after her child. She even gets maintenance payments, yet she still has to pay her parents rent *and* her former mother-in-law for childcare. How is that fair?
Six months ago, when Emily started working with us, we became close fast. We had so much in commonsimilar interests, kids the same age. She told me straight away shed divorced and moved back in with her parents. Theyre well-off, both in their fifties with good careers. Theyve built a house in the countryside and go abroad every holiday. When Emily came back, they gave her a room to live in.
I thought maybe she stayed rent-free, but nothey charged her from the start. Shes grateful not to be with strangers, and its better for the child, but still. They gave her a shelf in the fridge, and she never uses their thingsexcept maybe some fruit for her little one now and then.
I dont understand how parents could treat their own daughter like that. Especially since when Emily left her husband, she had nothing. For the first few months, she was in debt to them.
Before the divorce, she cared for her child alone, but later, she needed help. She found itin her ex-mother-in-law. At first, she asked if the woman knew anyone, but she offered her services for pay. Emily agreed because her ex-mother-in-law knows the child wellwhat he likes, what he doesnt, what he can and shouldnt do. Shes reliable. So now, when needed, she looks after him.
It *should* all work, but Emily barely makes ends meet. Theres no room for anything extra.
I just cant fathom how parents could do that to their own child…
