I'm a single mum of 7. AMA!

[WorldCupSadness]

Scared 😅

Then maybe each older child cooks a meal on one night.

You will never answer the really nasty ones in a way that will satisfy them. They have made their assumptions and judgements already. They only way they will change is by their own life experiences. They may one day need PIP, UC, discover their partner is not nice etc. It's not your job to change their minds.

Try to ignore those nasty statements and posts, you will never win. Let them be bitter and learn. I do understand how it can appear but they have no right to take out frustrations on you. They could just as easily go after the use of the NHS with the over 60's or look deeper at themselves but it is easier to go after you. Forgive them, don't be like them, and keep at it.

Answer the ones seeking advice, meal ideas (I have two ND kids too, meal times truly are hard!), and genuine questions.

Not if they keep them in cash 🙄. I know people with over 20,000 on benefits but 'hidden' away in various places or in family's accounts! Funny how open some people are at playing the system and thinking it's funny..

You're right - thank you xx

I wouldn't dare

Op
I’m sorry you’re finding this anxiety inducing. I suffer from anxiety too and understand how awful panic attacks are.

That said, you have posted inflammatory information that has caused disgust (possibly even a bit of despair) in many posters here.

Yes, maybe ask MN to close this thread.

My food tech student daughter does 🤣

It’s really important that children learn to cook. (And clean)

Is your washing machine on constantly? I suppose you have a rota system, sheets on Thursday, uniforms on Friday. …

I agree with the advice from the lady about the girl guides/brownie’s. Maybe when the 17 year old can drive.

Library is excellent for a fun cheap trip out … what trips do you do with them?

Hi OP,
I am sorry you’re getting such a hard time.
I don’t have anything to say, but as you wish the thread to end, and it’s already at 37 pages, I’m just filling up a slot which might otherwise have nasty comments.
Good luck

OP, just a quick message of support. You sound like a great mum. Yes you've had hard times in life but you're working, studying and planning ahead.
You're instilling great values in your family.
Ignore the bitter, judgemental witches and their vitriolic wittering, it's just noise, it has no value.
Very best wishes for the future!

I’m fascinated by your post . None of us know you personally so can only comment on generalities of what they’ve seen with mums in your position . It strikes me you are of good intelligence and not one of these that pops out kids to keep them funded in life . I’d be interested in how many friends you have , how many people actually know you in real life and if we asked them a question on what sort of person you are, considering your current circumstances what would you guess their reply would be ?

Agreed. My older kids can cook basic meals, use the washing machine, change beds, take out bins etc. Essential life skills! Lol.

We go to the library every Friday :) swimming lessons once a week.

Everything else is just the same as everyone else I guess! Park, zoo, bike ride, feeding ducks, trampoline park, farm, strawberry picking, paddling in the river, beach, cinema etc

It might be quite difficult for the older ones to cook a variety of meals to cater for all the children’s preferences. The older children have been through so much upheaval, I’d be reluctant to put anymore pressure on them.

They'd say I'm funny, a strong person and a good mum!

No one being allowed an opinion other than being fawning and fully corroborative is quite manipulative. Commend and applaud or be derided as being mean. No one wishes OP or her family ill will. It’s not personal but points about current drain on taxpayers who work harder and struggle more is a fair point which OP and the hangers on, have frequently avoided responding to.

I don’t think your life is great at all.

In fact… it sounds stressful, fraught and depressing.

I am shocked you haven’t ever bother to ask your older ones about how they feel about the different boyfriends and all the kids. Maybe focus on fact rather AMA

I think YOU need to grow up and learn to speak more kindly.

I don't work shifts

Yes, it has been a bit of a pile on OP, and I have felt for you too.

Truthfully, I get frustrated by people bringing children into the (overwhelmed) world when they don't have a really strong plan and commitment to raising them securely, but I can see you are doing your best in your circumstances as a mum - far more than parents who procreate then wander off and start again leaving a dribble of financial contributions in their wake and not a whole lot more (looking at mostly dads here).

There is more involved in raising children than just providing money, taxed or otherwise.

This is one of the most horrible things I've ever heard and I've heard a lot of shit. Thanks for that

If your anxiety is spiralling, for your sake and more importantly your kids - stop posting.

This is how you have got yourself in to this situation with an awful track history with me. Ignoring signs telling you - not a good idea

Do you bring a pic nic? I did when my childhood were little and we’d head up into the mountains with their cousins, sliced pan, butter, ham, plastic cups and using stream water to mix with a small bottle of mi wadi. They had such fun, and nothing as tasty as when your out in the fresh air and having fun.

Sometimes! I love picnics (but not wasps...)