On which side are you in this situation?

I read an article about a single mother who posted her tax refund ($5400) on Facebook, with the message that she would not be buying her children the latest Jordans or fancy electronics, but instead would spend it on her rent for the entire year because she has her priorities straight.
A lot of people praised her and a few sent sarcastic remarks that she was just doing her job as a parent...nothing new and nothing exciting.
Here is the article if you want to read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/25/single-mothers-message-spent-tax-refund-goes-viral/
What do you think about it?
I think it is ridiculous. I'm NOT a single mother and my husband and I live comfortably, yet I still would never spend my tax refund on the latest Jordans or electronics for my kids. I try not to overindulge them because I don't want them to think that money grows on trees, etc.
The fact that she is a single mother and she is struggling financially makes this a scenario where it would be insane if she would spend that money foolishly. It also makes me wonder where the father is? Even if he didn't want to stick around physically, he would be legally obligated to pay child support.
Should she be applauded for putting herself in a bad situation? 🤔

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Coyotedave611 · M

Hmmm, I hate to sound jaded or suspicious but like you, kind of wonder of her motives for making this public on facebook as though anticipating in advance the attention and "whatever" outcomes her "heroic" plan might get her.

NineLives · 41-45, F

Yes, exactly.
I am a mother of soon-to-be 7 children and I know mothers! I know that the majority of us would give our last dollar to our child before we would eat. I'm sure that there are plenty of dads who would do the same!
Parenting is about making sacrifices and it does make me wonder about someone who would openly proclaim such an act, instead of just saying to themselves, "Another job well done!" and going about life.
It does make me think of ulterior motives, even if it sounds mean.

softspokenman · M

🤔 She may have felt that her tax refund (A windfall for others to spend on frivolous expensive things) had to be used, unlike them, to keep a roof over her/children's heads. ? Perhaps just ranting ?

curiosi · 61-69, F

Legally obligated to pay and paying are not the same things. States aren't much help in enforcing child support.

NineLives · 41-45, F

My father is still paying my child support and I am 36 years old. He never paid my mother as a child and yet he is still legally responsible.
If someone can go back 30 years ago and claim back support, I think it is safe to assume that anything is possible here.

SW-User

People are talking shot because she paid her rent up? All of them still live with mommy and daddy I'm sure.

JarJarBoom · 41-45, F

I understand the whole social media sharing behind it, but why announce it?

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