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.
Hey there.
Not desperate...but it just amazes me how isolating it can be as a single mom. Living in a small town is one thing (limits your ability to meet many people), but being a single mom really seems to compound that for me. And it really hits me at times.
I feel so wrapped up with my daughter, working from home, maintaining an old house, and just the mundane daily tasks that never ever seem to end. It get's to you after a while.
I don't think I've felt so lonely and isolated before. When your single (pre-kids), you can call up a friend and go out, but everything seems to change when you become a mom - especially a single mom - even friends (mine were still single and swinging, with no kids, so we grew apart).
As much as I do try and socialize (i.e. playgroups - where everyone happens to be married), and am friendly and get along well... The fact remains that I'm a lonely single mom. Even my own mom isn't here anymore (passed a couple of years ago).
As much as I do value the good things in my life - my daughter, my home, my work... It's still very hard when you feel so isolated in your life.
Not desperate...but it just amazes me how isolating it can be as a single mom. Living in a small town is one thing (limits your ability to meet many people), but being a single mom really seems to compound that for me. And it really hits me at times.
I feel so wrapped up with my daughter, working from home, maintaining an old house, and just the mundane daily tasks that never ever seem to end. It get's to you after a while.
I don't think I've felt so lonely and isolated before. When your single (pre-kids), you can call up a friend and go out, but everything seems to change when you become a mom - especially a single mom - even friends (mine were still single and swinging, with no kids, so we grew apart).
As much as I do try and socialize (i.e. playgroups - where everyone happens to be married), and am friendly and get along well... The fact remains that I'm a lonely single mom. Even my own mom isn't here anymore (passed a couple of years ago).
As much as I do value the good things in my life - my daughter, my home, my work... It's still very hard when you feel so isolated in your life.
I do know how you feel. I really do.
((HUGS))
Thanks for your response. It's nice to chat with others that really do get it.
Hugs to you too!
All the best.
I go to playgroups twice a week, have been to church, and other events... Most people in this area are married. But married is ok too... I'd just love to have that raport with a girlfriend again, as you say "let it all hang out" - someone to connect with and chit-chat. I really miss that.
I also don't have tons of time for socializing though either - I have many responsibilities that don't allow me the freedom of time to drive far distances for socializing, nor do I have the freedom (my daughter's with me 24-7).
Anyhow, I'm not giving up - I know I'll get there (find some good friendships). It's just a little lonely in the meantime!
Thanks.
My little one is 3 1/2.
Maybe the summer will provide more opportunities too. It's just amazing just how much life changes with kids, isn't it. So many changes are great - having little ones in our lives... What can be more important!? At the other end, it presents many sacrifices, including loneliness, if we're doing it on our own, and especially in rural areas. But I'm not giving up hope.
The funny part is that I'm actually a very outgoing person, who can chat up a storm with anyone (and do). So, it's a bit ironic that I find myself in such an isolating situation.
But like you suggested, as things change with the kids, so will our lives (for the better).
All the best.
That's how it feels in my town...although I feel I have the support of my community (small town) - friendly and supportive in many ways - it's a little hard for me to break into groups of friends that have known each other for years.
Then even for dating, it's awful to say, but it can be expensive! I don't have family who can babysit, etc. So I end up deciding whether I have the money to even go on a date (pay a sitter), whether it's worth it, etc.!! Then I feel even worse...
On the other hand, I don't know how your marriage was/is, but I try to remember how it's sometimes much lonelier to be in an unfulfilling relationship with someone (who's there next to you at your son's soccer game) than to be on your own...
Hugs of support to you! Take one day at a time...
Working from home must be tough because you miss the interaction that co-workers can provide. Are there any options in your area for socializing?
Hang in there. You are not alone.
Veuxvoir... Not having family or sitters is a drawback - I agree. I'm in that boat too.
And MaryfromMo... not a lot of opportunities for socializing in this small town. I try - run a little playgroup here, and attend one in a nearby town. But everything is fairly far to drive too, to do other stuff. And I also have to keep work a priority, if I'm to pay the bills! ;-) (Therefore, not even a lot of time for going out a lot for socializing). Although if I could make some new friends nearby, anything's possible. Not saying I don't know lots of people - I do, but it's different than having a good network of people.
I'm trying though, to create changes that will bring the joy!