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How do you all cope?

5 replies

conway · 11/10/2016 22:07

Need suggestions has how to manage with 2 boys, age 15 and 10 and work.
Feel I am just constantly on the go and getting very bad tempered. Weekends are a nightmare. Try to work, sort out house , sort out boys and never have time to myself.
If feel the only way I can get anything done round the house is just to let the boys go on electronics and then I feel guilty.
How do you juggle it all?

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lukeymom · 11/10/2016 22:30

Don't your sons enjoy playing football? Is there a park near by or a club they could join? Or get them to help you round the house.Find them a job to do in the house or garden.Your 15 year old is old enough to to understand you can't do everything by yourself.

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lukeymom · 11/10/2016 22:42

I have 4 and 8 year old boys. I don't work yet but will be soon. Weekends are usually a nightmare.Constantly trying to get them to have a bath,wash hair,get dressed.Then trying to get myself ready,and them constantly wanting things.My 4 year old is asking for things almost constantly. I think I've done everything for him and he finds something else he wants. I do get annoyed because I think he's doing it on purpose.
When I am ready which is usually in the afternoon,our flat is a mess with all their toys everywhere. Even though I tell them to tidy up they just take no notice. It's like this all the time.
I later just take them out in my car to a shop to get a few things,or a park,or to their grandparents where they play in the garden. My 8 year old sometimes goes out on his bike,my 4 year old can't ride his yet,he sometimes goes on a scooter.
Another thing I have decided to do is to play tennis. My eldest got some racquets for his birthday and I suggested we can go and play one day soon. So that's something.He tells me he wants to as well.
Maybe think of a hobby or interest your kids could take up.

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Chasingsquirrels · 11/10/2016 22:54

At 15 and 10 they should be helping you around the house and to a large extent sorting themselves out.
Mine are 14 and 10, both have to sort out their own rooms and have jobs around the house - mainly vacuuming, but ds1 was mowing the lawn for me over the summer, tidying up the kitchen after they have used it, putting their own stuff in the dishwasher, emptying the dishwasher if it is finished, put their own clean washing away - I leave it in the airing cupboard for them, taking the rubbish or recycling out when I ask them etc.
I'm not saying for 1 minute that they just do all this without me asking (and asking again) but it definitely frees up my time.
Both will get themselves lunch or snacky tea sometimes at the weekend if I haven't got round to it. Both have cooked for us a few times, ds2 is more interested in doing this but also takes more adult involvement than ds1 would.

Do you menu plan or bulk cook - and if not would this help?

Can you break down exactly what is taking your time and how you could change each bit?

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conway · 13/10/2016 20:25

It seems to be chores round the house and garden which take up time.
I have a cleaner fortnightly but still struggle. I definitely need to get them to help more. Their dad never did much so not much of a roll model.
Am having to do a lot of DIY and pruning as the house and garden has been left in a bit of a mess.
I Do an online food shop which helps, but cooking takes up a lot of time.
I also spend a lot of time sorting out their squabbles, it seems that they can't do anything together without a big argument.

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Flowerpower41 · 14/10/2016 05:35

Op all children spend a great deal of time on gadgets at the weekend I really wouldn't let it concern you. It entertains them and lets you get on with housework paperwork etc.

The couples aren't doing anything much different by and large in that respect so please don't feel guilty at all.

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