What other job could a mom trucker do?

That child needs his mother every day more than money needs to be made.

I know all situations aren't perfect and I'm not here to judge, but the TRUTH is that these are the child's formative years and if he's shipped off somewhere it's going to affect him developmentally and you'll pay a price later for it in some way or another.

Get two friends for roommates to cut expenses and work while he's in school. Live minimally as possible and be there with him as a family. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Kids couldn't care less about material things, generally.

Stuff envelopes as a part time job at night at home for extra money.. I know people that used to do that FOR A LIVING.
It's all about priorities.

Not withstanding... if the dad is not paying up for his child and he's here in the States and you can get him to pay. DO IT. It's his child.

If he's not a citizen and they won't enforce it... TURN HIM IN if he won't pay... that will make him pay or he'll go back.

Might sound mean, but you're shouldering the burden.
The child is paying the price.

GET MEAN.

 

What he said. Let us know your location. One of us will be able to point you in the right direction. 6 months to a year at the very most you should be good then to find a local job. At 8 years old I would of understood that you have to do it to make a better life. If he's close to his family and you stay in contact everyday 6 months-1yr will go by pretty quick.

Get the father to pay up by any means

 

No way would I recommend it, and long term it's probably pretty negative, but there's quite a few homeschooling out on the road. It might be the best of a bad job till you get on your feet but then again, it might not be.