“I am, against my will, unemployed”: in the life of Sandrine, solo mother of two children

The future of single parents – 80 % of whom are mothers – could soon improve. The government has the desire to act concretely to lighten the daily life of those who struggle to achieve both ends. Among the planned tracks: the creation of A State of “isolated parent” giving access to various Financial and social benefits : Payment of family allowances from the first child, reduced prices to facilitate access to public services and non -taxable food pensions. Madmoizelle He collected the testimony of Sandrine, 37 years old, a solo mother of two young children.

Its shocking history illustrates the many difficulties encountered by families and arouse single.

No duty = no jobs

“I am single, mother of two children of two different fathers, a 5 and a half year old boy who is educated in a large section, and a 2 -year -old girl, who will return to school only at the beginning of the school year 2025. I am against my will, unemployed. I am not able to find a child. Changing my work, but I live in a very isolated cornerAt least 20 km from a city where the sectors recruit and diesel, it is expensive. I have unemployment for 678 euros, I receive 842 euros from CAF and 120 euros in food for my great. All the deducted fixed charges, I only have 539 euros. There are 3 of us who live it. It is very difficult. What weighs is the rent, I have 850 euros to go out every start of the month, the expenses have exploded.

A millimeter budget

We count everything. You have to pay attention to the races and everything I spend: electricity, insurance, Internet telephone. My son’s father does not bare him barely, despite a classical guard. Gives me 120 euroswhile earning 1800 euros in his smaller months. As for my daughter’s father, he does not work, he is insolvent. Last week, he deigned to bring me two packets of diapers and a package of wipes.

I prefer to keep it away from us, why He is someone unstable and was violent with my son In the past. No longer depending on me is already a great relief for me. Recently, I have the right to do it Solidarity Grocery Store22 euros per week, it seems little, but the prices are so deristerial that you can buy many things. But it was still a shock to get there. The first time I remember, I stayed in front of the door crying. I was paralyzedI couldn’t go back. I would like to greet the work of the associations. They are listening and nobody judges us.

It seems that separated dads don’t worry if their children are going well or badly.

Sandrine, 37 -year -old solo mother

The mental burden of children

This is what is the life of a solo mother: to manage financial galleys, not to mention the mental accusation when children are sick, sad, upset, appointments at school, clothes to buy. My 5 -year -old son consumes a minimum father of shoes per month. How to tell you that I never buy anything for me. My son, after what he suffered with my daughter’s father, needs to psychological supportThe sessions are not reimbursed, but I have not chosen. I don’t want to condemn them, but I have the impression that three quarters of the separate dads have no responsibility, I don’t care if their children are going well or badly. And also, they deduce food from their taxes that are obliged to give, often against the heart.

I will take the head of the water only when I have a job

I don’t even imagine the future anymore because, without a place in kindergarten or dressing room, I cannot resume professional activity. Even if I found a job in my sector, I should pay the diesel, Pôle Emploi offers exceptional help, but you must have a contract of over 3 months. And in my case, they are more than the temporary missions that are offered to me. It is the snake that bits the tail. The other solution would be to move, but with my accommodation debt (50 euros), it is impossible. I can’t surrender, I have two children who need to have a Solid mother. I assure myself that they grow in the best possible conditions, with love, a roof and what to eat.

Thanks for giving us the floor. »» »