What do you do when....

[ThisLittleKitty]

For those of you that are completely lone parents what do you do when you need a break? I have 4 kids and haven't been away from them for over a year. I have no one that can/will help and their dad is absent through choice. I'm starting to get stressed out and just feel like I need a break. I only have my sister who doesn't help at all, not that I expect she should but it irritates me that she constantly asks me to have her child yet never helps with mine. She will make empty promises to help but every weekend she's out clubbing and every half term she's on holiday! Then works all week. I have her child and can't really afford to as I'm on benefits and she doesn't give me any money to keep him (I also don't receive CSA for my own.) so those of you that are completely lone what do you do if you need a break?

[maceymoo20]

How old are your children? Are they not in school yet?
Could you look for a childminder for a few hours so you can have 'you' time?
What about after school club (if their in school)

[ThisLittleKitty]

Only the older two are in school ATM.

[Kingsclerelass]

Kitty, If you have FOUR and are only now feeling a bit stressed, with no help at all, you're doing a brilliant job. And you definitely deserve a break.
Can your parents help by taking the younger two for a morning while the others are in school?
I'm on my own but my ex does have ds for a few hours on a Sunday. Where are you? Is there a SureStart or children's centre nearby who might provide some advice.

[NorthernSpirit]

Your sister sounds selfish. You have 4 and no help, she has 1 who you look after but she won’t return the favour? Sit down with her and explain how you are feeling, she should support you.

[Practicallyperfectwithprosecco]

I was a lone parent for first 10 years of dd life. My family live other end of country and I didn't get a break. I just got on with it. Was grateful when she started going on sleepovers as I got occasional evenings to myself and a proper lie in! It was tough and there were times when I cried with exhaustion but I survived and 14 years later I'm proud of fact I brought my daughter up all by myself and did a good job of it.

[AndMiffyWentToSleep]

There is an amazing charity that may be able to offer some practical help:

www.home-start.org.uk

[ThisLittleKitty]

Will check the link thanks.

Both my parents are disabled so unable to help I've tried to explain to my sister but it's always empty promises. She works all week then goes clubbing every weekend without fail then every half term she goes on holiday so I know it's just empty offers of help.

[NewIdeasToday]

Well you don’t have to help your sister. Having four kids must be quite enough work never mind having hers too.

Just say you can’t manage it anymore.

[Louw12345]

How old are you kids? What's your routine like? Ie bedtime, getting up in the morning?