Feel like I'm failing!

[Jadeybeth]

I am a single parent to a 20 month old. He's so good when we are out and about but when its just me he's like the devil. He hits, smacks, throws things, ignores me and I just don't know what to do to get through to him. I have no financial support from the father so had to start work whilst my mother looked after him, due to the tantrums and my mums health she couldn't cope so had to give it up so now struggling financially too. Just feel like I'm constantly letting him down and not good enough, just want him to behave and a financial stability for us both. Any advice or tips? Thank you

P.s. he isn't able to start nursery till December

[eve34]

Would you not get Help with your child care costs. I'm a single parent and I get 85% of my childcare paid.

I work three days. And find this gives me a good work/life balance. I take my hat off to anyone who is a stay at home parent. It is exhausting.

There is a book called how to talk so children listen. And one two three magic. Which some have found helpful.

I'm sure you know all this but be clear and firm about what is acceptable. Lots of fresh air and good routine. I'm sure you are doing an amazing job. .

[BlueMoon1103]

eve34 - are you in the UK? How do you get that much paid? Asking as a single Mum who’ll be going back to work soonish!

As for your son’s behaviour OP could it be boredom? As it doesn’t happen when you’re out. The only other thing I can advise is that you have consistent consequences for behaviour you don’t like and a lot of praise when he’s being good.

[Beebeezed]

You are not failing. You are doing an amazing job, you’re raising a child on your own! I’m sorry I have no advice as my DS is a newborn but please don’t be so hard on yourself. X

[eve34]

@BlueMoon1103 I get universal credits and they cover my childcare costs so that I can work.

[GinaG9475]

You are not failing. You are just going through a tough time and it will pass. My son went through phases where it was awful, really awful but it passed. My advice which echoes some of the previous, is to be consistent with your boundaries/discipline and don’t be hard on yourself. None of us are perfect, we have all messed up and felt like we were failing but you know what, tomorrow is another day and we get up and carry on. You will get through this.

[Aw12345]

You are definitely not failing at all. You're doing everything possible to give the best life to your baby. LO is very young and you're doing it alone?! That's amazing as far as I'm concerned 🙂