Single Parenting Support Group
Today being raised by a single parent is not uncommon. About three in ten children live in a single parent home. The most common type of single parent home is one with only a mother. However, single father homes are the fastest growing type of family situation; 60% growth in the last ten years alone.
I am in the midst of moving from a nice house to a small apartment due to a divorce and my house being sold. I have lived with my exH for the last 2 years, post divorce, for economic reasons (for me), and the fact he would NOT leave. Looking back I know it may not have been good for the kids, but I really had no choice. Now we are moving and my 9 year old is having major anxiety, depression (I think), major anger, etc., at me, mostly, even though I did not want nor cause the divorce.
Long story short, he is afraid of being shot, he says...we aren't moving to a great area but it's better than some, until I can get on my feet and look for something else. I don't know how to help him...I can't take away his pain, and I validate his feelings. It breaks my heart to see him so sad and anxious. I'm that way, myself, how can I help my 9 year old. Also, he does not get along with his 4 year old brother and they are going to be sharing a room, which again upsets him. It's easy to say "suck it up buttercup", and in essence, I have given him we have to move...no going back. I just don't know what else to say or do....please help. I'm very worried about my son. And before anyone suggests counseling, yes, he is seeing one.
Long story short, he is afraid of being shot, he says...we aren't moving to a great area but it's better than some, until I can get on my feet and look for something else. I don't know how to help him...I can't take away his pain, and I validate his feelings. It breaks my heart to see him so sad and anxious. I'm that way, myself, how can I help my 9 year old. Also, he does not get along with his 4 year old brother and they are going to be sharing a room, which again upsets him. It's easy to say "suck it up buttercup", and in essence, I have given him we have to move...no going back. I just don't know what else to say or do....please help. I'm very worried about my son. And before anyone suggests counseling, yes, he is seeing one.
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I'm horrified! I knew my insurance would go up due to getting a new car but I didn't expect it to go up over $2,000. I did have an accident with the snow/ice in the winter. I was just telling my brother that I have had my car since March 2, 2026 and have only spent $75 on an oil change. Now this! I called another insurance company and their quote was over $4,000. I guess I have to pay...
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We all have 24 hours in a day. How we spend these hours is important. Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do. Gonna have to work on that.Your turn. Tell me another truth.
RE, his expressing anger at mostly you- I reckon that it's because he feels you are safer to be angry with. He knows, no matter how angry he is, that you will still love and support him.
Hugs- I get how hard this is on all of you!
If he is really overly anxious and it is becoming unhealthy, then you may wish to take him to some kind of counselling or divorce kids group so that he can have an outlet for his emotions.
Saying it WILL be ok, he WILL be ok. If it were my younger one, yes I'd say that but not him. Its getting worse for him.
He's probably feeling hurt and betrayed just like you are. It helps to remind them that this house is temporary and give them a safe feeling home, even if you can't provide the
situation.
One thing that does wonders for a child, is privacy. Even though he has his brother sharing a room, it might help to set him up a space just for him to be alone (growing up with 5 siblings in a 2bdr house I KNOW how important this is) For us, it was having a curtain around our bed we could close to tell everyone to keep out.
It's hard, but as long as he knows he can come to you with problems and has his counselor for things he cant, he'll be okay with time.
Set aside a little time in the evenings just to listen to his concerns/issues. It's amazing what a difference such a little thing made for my foster kids when I had them.
I have a 9 year old daughter and a 7 year old son, I went through the same thing a year ago. It was hell, my son acted out like no other. But after the first 3 months it got easier and now life couldn't be better.
Stay strong!!!