MONEY BLUES

Why start with this topic? well it hits pretty close to home at the moment. I am on a benefit and used to work part time, but since I started my degree I have been POOR. I tried working a little last year as well as studying but it was too much. I was stressed and stretched too thin, and my kids were not getting the best of me during this time. But now that I am not working it is a struggle to get everything paid week to week. I want my kids to do sports, to learn to swim, go to scouts etc. but to pay for these things I have to swallow my pride and get financial help from my family. I don't enjoy doing this. It hurts my soul having to ask for help at a time of my life where I should be financially secure. Have any of you felt this?
Further more I can't afford 'nice' new clothes for myself, I shop second hand which I don't mind but as I am in my 30s now I can't really go for the 'grunge' look anymore haha!
It is hard to pay for everything your family needs when there is only one adult to earn the money and care for the kids, when there should be two. Such is the life of a single parent.
Lack of money is something I have to accept at this point. I am looking forward to finishing my study and getting a 'real' job but sometimes that seems a long way off....