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.

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/ Single Parenting Support Group

New Single Mom

ashley01
ashley01

Hello, my name is Ashley and I'm a new single mom. I have a 6 y/o and 1 y/o and am struggling mentally/emotionally. I made the decision to end an unhappy relationship with their father, and I feel he's doing everything now to make things impossible for me. It's up to me to find childcare at the last moments and to figure just about everything out. I work full time and have no one to help me. My family isn't supportive and I've never felt more alone in my life. I'm struggling so much. 

APieceOfMyHeart
APieceOfMyHeart
New single mom too. Sort of- newly officially single mom. I've been living with my son away from my ex for almost 7 months but our divorce was just finalized.

The weight is real- the need for a tribe of support is insane and the loops we find ourselves in are outrageous. Ie- get childcare, well, you need to be able to afford the childcare, to afford the childcare you need the well paying job to go to the job you need the childcare.

My ex has no desire to prioritize our son either. It's all on my shoulders.

It's unspeakably stressful, hurtful, enraging and sad.

I know it's another expense (I completely understand!) But I returned to therapy late last year and it really has helped. I do it by phone late at night when my son is asleep- no babysitter needed. Just a thought for the emotional and psychological support- not judgment- just something that's helped me and I've found a way to make work as a single mom.

I hear you.
Beryl367
Beryl367
Hi Ashley, welcome to the group. Childcare especially is so important yet difficult to find. My son is older now, but when he was younger I used a "childcare referral service" through my city of county, also my employer had either a "work-life balance" or "employee assistance" program that could help me find daycare options. At one point I had a main daycare and used a "drop-in" daycare as a backup. But even so I found myself looking for new daycare every year or two. Anyway, I'm on your side. As time passes I hope your ex will move past the pain or anger or whatever is causing him to be difficult and think about being a good dad.

Thoughts and prayers for peace and strength.
Goldielocks5
Goldielocks5
I have been a single mom for a little over a year now, my child was a baby when my ex left. The struggle is real! I am exhausted all the time. I work full time. House duties, yard duties. Father sees her minimally and doesn't care to help.

How can men just do this to children and leave it all to mom?

I stopped feeling sorry for myself and decided to give my daughter and myself the best life I can. I take her everywhere with me and she loves it..

One day our kids will see how we did everything and hopefully choose themselves the kind of relationship they want with their fathers, especially if the father doesn't do much.
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