THE mum of Britain’s most pampered toddler has admitted that she has started to eat a vegetarian diet in order to afford his lavish lifestyle.
Kasey Akram, 34, hit the headlines after she revealed her lavish spending on Jareem Akram, now three.
The single mum - who is on benefits - famously confessed to spending large sums each month on the tot, including designer clothing and a gold dummy.
However, with the cost of living being at an all-time high, and Jareem being an animal lover, the pair have turned vegetarian.
The devoted mum now buys her son's clothes second hand online and recently nabbed a Moschino outfit for £15 ''instead of its retail price of £180''.
The savvy shopper even sold all the clothes Jareem had grown out of to use the money for more clobber.
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Baby's first BMW
Despite trying to save cash where she can, Kasey admits to still splashing out on salon pedicures and a £150 toddler BMW for her son.
Kasey, who is a stay-at-home parent, from Sheffield, said: "We've fallen in love with Vinted- I'm always on there.
"At first I couldn't believe the quality of clothes I could get for a fraction of the retail price.
"I wanted to save money but still treat Jareem like the little prince he is.
"I only buy designer items because that's all I'll let Jareem wear.
"The quality is better than Primark and supermarket clothes and I want his clothes to last.
"We're now vegetarian - Jareem is obsessed with the environment and saving the planet.
"He still baths in milk and honey but at least his wardrobe is thrifty without compromising on style.”
Travelling in style
The mum and son are also looking forward to a sun soaked holiday together in the spring.
And of course, the pampered tot can expect luxury from the moment he steps on the plane.
"We're going to Fuerteventura in May and I've had to pay for extra legroom for Jareem because I know he'll be restless on the four hour flight,” she says.
Lots of people say they’re struggling but I don’t get it – I've never had a credit card or a loan or been in debt in my life
Kasey Akram
"I still spoil Jareem more than most three-year-olds but I'm more savvy with how I spend the money."
Kasey said previously that she spends up to £1,000 per month on Jareem, buying him designer goods including a solid gold dummy, Versace chains and Gucci trainers.
She funds the purchases through the benefits she receives and with the help of her ex-partner who pays towards some of the high-end goods.
Hitting back at trolls
Many reacted to Kasey's story online, with comments including ‘good luck when he is a teenager’ and ‘I want to know what benefits she is on so I can apply for the same ones’.
But Kasey countered this by saying she doesn’t drink, smoke or go out clubbing – and that if people on benefits stopped doing that, they too could afford to treat their children like she treats Jareem.
Kasey said: "I had a baby in the middle of a pandemic where I was locked in a flat and went through scans and labour all by myself, I just want to give him the best and everything I never had.
“I don’t go out, I wear charity shop clothes and I could spend my money on far worse things.
“Lots of people say they’re struggling but I don’t get it – I've never had a credit card or a loan or been in debt in my life.
“If you have a credit card on benefits you’re instantly going to be in trouble, you have to be smart and savvy.”
“I get my outfits from charity shops and Vinted and if you buy food fresh you can cook in batches and save money on non-fresh food,” she adds.
Rough start
Kasey says that her rough start in life means that she always wants to provide the best for her son.
“Before I had Jareem I had lived in a hostel and had to sleep rough – I've had a lot and I’ve had nothing, I just want my son to have everything so I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong.
“I don’t think I’m abusing the benefits system at all as I live alone and I’m a single mum.
“I’m going to college and it’s not that I don’t want to work - it’s that he’s too young for me to work and I can’t legally go back to working without paying for a nanny or day-care.”
The mum and son are also careful to give back to the community and local charities.
“All his old toys go to the local doctor's surgery, we donated his old cot to charity and some of his old clothes,” she says.
“We always feed the homeless in town and at Christmas we make boxes with jumpers and toothpaste for them, we even give out mince pies and sandwiches.
“When he’s older hopefully he’ll be on his way to university and the minute he becomes disrespectful or demanding that will be corrected straight away.
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“I don’t shout, I hold his hands gently and talk to him and I ask him why he’s angry or shouting – but I’ve been shouted at in the street and people have used profanities towards him and are taking the time to insult me and my child even though he’s innocent.
“I’m not committing a crime, I’m not a bad person, I’ve got a really big heart and I love my son so much – what parent wouldn't want the best for their child.”
