Terrible Mother blogger Heather Ryan has a moving essay, a part of Salon's "Pinched" series, about taking her kids to a soup kitchen last summer. The fully employed, fully insured, single mother of three wasn't there to give her privileged kids a gritty life lesson on how the other half lives. They were the other half. Or, at least a growing number of the other half.
Even though Ryan had loaded up earlier that week at the food bank, she knew if they didn't take advantage of a free dinner for families with children in her city, they wouldn't have anything to eat by the end of the month. She sucked up her pride, packed up the kids and went.
Ryan's oldest daughter's reaction to the meal is understandable. And sad. And Ryan's new insight into "the system" and how it can shape attitudes is eye-opening.
But what's got me feeling rage is the big ticket item that put her in financial jeopardy that summer in the first place: childcare! For three kids, she had to pay $1,800 per month. And her kids are older -- not babies, who command an even higher rate.
I always find it surprising how limited our discussions of childcare are in this country, usually starting and stopping with: should you or shouldn't you. What about when you have to?
There's so little help with it and, as is likely the case with Ryan, she probably makes too much to qualify for the help anyway. Even though she -- and gobs of lower-middle to middle-class families like hers -- need it. Especially now. Especially this summer!
So is this recession kicking your family's ass? Have you ever had to go to a food bank or a soup kitchen?
Photo: Salon
