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AIBU?

To find being a single parent in the school holidays lonely?

15 replies

Patheticfallacy · 22/07/2016 18:42

I'm a teacher so during term time I get plenty of adult interaction with colleagues. But school hols I have the dc for pretty much the whole six weeks and I'm finding things very lonely already. The kids are fighting all the time and I'm struggling on anxiety meds that are making me feel a bit drowsy. I'm also having problems in my relationship which isn't helping at all. My boyfriend seems withdrawn and depressed and I can't lean on him for support.
I don't have many friends really, not close enough that I could lean on and I don't have close family support.
I don't think advice would help I think just having people to chat to or to know others are in a similar situation.
Sorry I know it's not really an AIBU but wanted the traffic here.

OP posts:

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girlsmum1510 · 22/07/2016 22:43

Didn't want to read and run, but I've been there. Chat away on here, are you near to museums that do kids activities? Chance to meet other parents?

How old are your children?

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CodyKing · 22/07/2016 22:53

Yes - get out of the house once a day - a long walk or library and just chat to other parents

I was married and in the same boat had many lonely summers -

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Charley50 · 22/07/2016 23:03

Hello OP I feel your pain. Im also a teacher and should love the holidays but I feel a bit panicky. I'm not a single parent anymore but I used to have a lot of parent friends and they've dropped off recently. My DP is quite introverted doesn't like getting drunk with friends and I don't get as many invites as I used to when DS was at primary. My DS is at the age where he doesn't want to do much with me. I don't want to waste the summer but my idea of a fun summer is doing stuff and being with people. I'm going to try and do a project instead.

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Charley50 · 22/07/2016 23:05

I think you should contact the friends you do have and suggest days or evenings out. Take charge!

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Charley50 · 22/07/2016 23:07

I'm going to paint some furniture and make sure I see people sorry I'm a bit pissed

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BlackeyedSusan · 22/07/2016 23:14

yep. lonely.

I go to the library a lot.

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Patheticfallacy · 23/07/2016 10:33

I'm just missing having the family unit. I know we are a family but I'd love to have someone to come home to.

OP posts:

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feelingdizzy · 24/07/2016 09:35

I could have written this.I am a teacher,deputy head so am always so busy.Am a lone parent have been for years,we also recently moved so noone local.My family are in another country.I just feel so isolated.My kids are teens,so don't want to do much.I do make them,but its hardly worth the effort,the moaning and groaning.They don't see their dad at all really,so no break,emotionally or financially.
I feel guilty I should be enjoying the holidays,I have great kids,a good job,but I sat in my bedroom this morning and cried I feel so lonely.Am now off to attempt to make a visit to a local park ,cue moaning,rolling of eyes.!!

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formerbabe · 24/07/2016 09:40

I'm not a single mum but I do get lonely in the school holidays.

All my friends work full time whether they have kids or not...as do my family so most days it's just me and the kids. They argue constantly. ..its very wearing.

I take them out everyday but to be honest I'd quite like to fast forward to September!

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RubbleBubble00 · 24/07/2016 09:52

I'd see about getting the kids into a summer activity scheme if money's not too tight and give yourself some tlc time

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parapluiepliant · 30/07/2016 20:49

OP I was thinking about starting a similar thread....I hear you. I have 3 DC (11 months, 7 & 9) and everybody else seems to be on vacations with their nuclear families. I find these times lonely at times as I don't have family near and boyfriend is not a great help....and doesn't get it...he has one baby, I have three DC.
I was considering starting some kind of group in the area I live for solidarity and more play dates and sanity!

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YouAreMyRain · 30/07/2016 22:31

Me too! Single parent summers are very lonely.
Anyone else here in the Midlands

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Sarah0574 · 30/07/2016 23:45

Have you tried Googling your local Gingerbread group? It's a support group for single parents and they arrange local days out. I'm attending my second day out with them on Sunday for a picnic in a local park. It's nice to meet people in a similar boat and it breaks up the summer holidays a bit!

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springydaffs · 30/07/2016 23:53

I always dreaded the summer holidays... but by the time it was time for them to go back to school I felt almost grief.

The way we did it was I got down with the kids iyswim. Like when you're away on holiday and you do everything together, eg they fall asleep on your lap at 11pm, that sort of thing.

Ie all the usual rules, or roles, were completely relaxed: i didn't do mummy stuff but hung out with them. Takes a while to get into the groove but lovely once you're there.