Meathwoman's Diary: Forget holidays, I'm happy if I can feed the kids

Mandy Gilsenan

I'd love to know who coined the term 'cost of living crisis' because its thrown around by everyone as a way to justify why parents are counting slices of ham in their fridge to ensure the kids have enough to eat for their lunch.

For those of us that never could afford extravagant holidays abroad and already had very little left over, we were content for the most part that our presses and fridge were full. There was always enough to eat, always a snack in the press and a chocolate biscuit. If we were lucky, a takeaway once a fortnight.

It was more my treat than theirs, a day off from cooking and trying to please everyone. Now that take away for three of us can easily hit the 40-50 euro mark. The snacks and chocolate biscuits are rarely put into the trolley and I live in dread of something breaking or an unforeseen expense that will make me choose between paying an overdue bill or fixing what broke.

Maslow's theory of hierarchy needs states that food, shelter, clothing and a roof over our heads are essential for survival. I know chocolate biscuits aren't included in this but have you seen the price of chicken fillets lately?

I never worried that my children weren't getting enough until my daughter ran low on certain vitamins. I can't begin to tell you the guilt I felt as her mother knowing it was caused by me cutting back. The cost of living crisis that we are now in is justified.

We're told everyone is in the same boat, everybody is feeling the pinch, everyone's electricity bill has jumped up, so its ok. When did we turn into such a passive nation that just sits back and allows companies to continue gouging under the term 'cost of living'? It doesn't feel like that long ago we were pounding the pavements over water charges, pulling water meters from outside our property and demanding a fairer way to do it. Have we as a nation become tired? Tired of fighting for what's fair.

The summer holidays are in. There'll be some respite from bus fees, school fees and the hidden extras that hit during the year. But it won't be long until I'm again cutting down on something to join in the back to school race. Those tracksuit bottoms that were €5 two years ago have doubled in price, shoes that seem to disintegrate off their feet can be €50 and over, several times per year. Then comes the winter and the unfortunate reality of it is that we will be forced to choose, heat or eat.

Heat and eat, the two main things every parent wants to provide for their children.

The winter months were always my favourite. I felt like more of an equal to most people because I didn't have to dodge the “summer holiday” question.

Pots of stew would be thrown in the slow cooker, soup in the pot and a fire on the stove. Seeing my children warm and fed was all I longed for on a primal level.

As for the cost of Christmas, well, everyone had that concern. We're not even in August and I'm watching the oil prices. It's very easy to feel like a failure when you struggle with basic necessities.

I see some of the politicians arguing in the Dail, one in particular who recently spoke about the cost of living and how it was affecting people. I watched as those in majority lowered their eyes, but not their heads.

- If you want to share your ‘Cost of Living’ experience with us for an upcoming feature, please email holly.alder@meathchronicle.ie.