Hi, my name is alex, I am 16 years old and I live with my mom and stepfather. My parents divoreced a while back. But this isn't one of those dealing with divorce questions. I actually have a pretty good relationship with my father. When I was younger I would go over every other weekend. But lately I've been going less. Its not a relationship issue, I've just been very busy this summer. But I do call him almost everyday. My mom is a workaholic she will do anything to make sure I'm all right. But this year we are growing very tight on money. Its OK, I understand. But my father never helps out, he never pays the child support he's supposed to pay. In fact my mom got so fed up she told me to never ask him for any money. To get to the bottom line; school starts in about a week, and I still have no uniform or any materials to start. Today I had to call my father and asked him to help me out and give me some money. He said OK. But I don't feel good about it. I never ask my father for money. And doing it makes me feel guilty. Almost guilty enough to call him and say "forget its ok, dont bring me anything" especially during these times that I have not been over his house as much. I think to myself that he will think I only want his money. But I don't. At the same time I feel bad for my mother who works like a maniac. I'm really stressed and I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Am I? I love both my parents and I just feel like I'm at fault for everything. It would be great if anyone could talk to me about this:)

No your father isn't sending your child support as it is. HE OWES it to you to make sure you have your needs met. DO NOT feel guilty it is the least he can do.
My x never paid child support, bought them presents or school needs. I always thought it was the least he should be doing.
Why doesn't your mother go back to court to get the support order enforced?

Food, shelter and clothing is what support money is for. It is his obligation to give it, and that is putting you in an unfair position. The money should have been there, and you shouldn't have had to ask for it.

If he comes good for the money for what you need for school, then let your parents sort out the support balance, that is not for you to worry about. It isn't fair that you should be stuck in the middle.

The start of a school year always means expenses for parents, divorced or not. Nobody can get off the hook for providing what their children need. Your needs are not unreasonable, so don't be worried about what he thinks.

Might be worth considering making a list of what you need to get, with the cost so he knows exactly what he's paying for.

Don't feel guilty!

I have gone through very similar problems with my parents. And I think it is very much your dads responsibility to provide you the things that you need. I'm in a very similar position with my dad right now. And if I had to ask him for the money I would!

Don't feel guilty. Your dad should be working like a maniac to support you! You need these things, and can't acquire them without money. I'm curious as to why your mom doesn't want you to ask him for money... the school year starts soon, and you don't really have any other options. Good luck...