Before the divorce, Emily took care of her child alone, but later she found a nannyher ex-husbands mother.
Before the split, Emily managed everything herself, but eventually, she started looking for childcare. She found it in her mother-in-law. At first, she asked if her mother-in-law knew anyone who could help, but the older woman offered her own servicesnaturally, for a fee. Emilys salary isnt large, and she has to budget carefully.
At work, I have a colleague whos struggling. She doesnt take much care of herselfno visits to the beautician. I often wonder where her money goes. She works, lives with her parents, has no mortgage like others, and yet her former mother-in-law looks after her childon top of that, she receives child support.
So it turns out Emily has to pay her parents rent for a room *and* her mother-in-law for childcare. How does she manage?
Six months ago, when Emily started working with us, we became friends. It quickly became clear we had a lot in commonsimilar interests, children the same age.
Emily told me straightaway that shed separated from her husband and moved back in with her parents. Theyre well-off, both in their fifties, holding good positions. They built a house in the countryside and holiday abroad every year. When their daughter returned, they gave her a single room to live in.
I assumed she might stay there rent-free, but nofrom the very beginning, they charged her. Emilys grateful to be with family rather than strangers, and its better for her child too.
They even gave her a separate shelf in the fridge. She doesnt use her parents things, though she sometimes treats her child to fruit from their kitchen.
I dont understand how parents could act this wayespecially since Emily left her husband with nothing. Those first few months, she was in debt to them.
Before the divorce, she cared for her child alone, but later sought a nanny. She found oneher mother-in-law. At first, she asked if the woman knew anyone willing to help, but she offered her own servicesfor a price. Emily agreed, since her mother-in-law knew her grandchild wellhis likes, dislikes, what he could and couldnt do. She was reliable. So now, when needed, the grandmother steps in.
It might have worked, but Emily barely scrapes bytheres no room for luxuries.
I just cant fathom how parents could treat their own child like this.
