To ask how the hell does anyone take up a decent hobby with dc?

[superstarheartbreaker]

Ok I am a single mum so I can't get good sitting. I do wish I could take up a serious hobby like kayacking; rafting; riding or learning a language but I do feel that with a small child I can't devote any time to such pursuits. I just wish I'd done more when I was still young and single. I guess when dd is older we can do such things together!

We have always taken ours with us, we spend a lot of time in or on the water.

Could you not look at local clubs and take dc with you and or take it in turns with another parent to mind dc whilst you both follow a pursuit. It may take some negotiating but can be done.
I am learning a language with my dd, there are several online courses that are cheap or free especially if you just want to learn for fun without a certificate at the end.
I am not a single parent but when our 2 ds were little dh worked away alot, it was difficult to do things without them as had no family support, but it does get better as they get older and sharing childcare worked for me, and obviously as reciprocated cost nothing.

Well, learning a language can be done online or on CDs, in the house after the DCs are asleep - the rest of your examples, not so much! But I suspect if you are on your own, you're probably too knakered at the end of the day?

Knitting maybe? It's useful, and can be done in front of the telly, if you choose a very simple pattern. It's also quite trendy at the minute, apparently; I'm really not up on these things.

Indoor climbing if you've got a local wall. You don't need any equipment for bouldering. You can go during the day while the place will be practically empty and the big soft mats and walls are like big soft play. A induction and a few one to one lessons will be a bit pricey but set you off and you and your kids can learn together. My kids older but I saw a woman with a baby that just lay on the mat while she climbed. Obviously not directly below her and the place was empty.

Indoor climbing if you've got a local wall. You don't need any equipment for bouldering. You can go during the day while the place will be practically empty and the big soft mats and walls are like big soft play. A induction and a few one to one lessons will be a bit pricey but set you off and you and your kids can learn together. My kids older but I saw a woman with a baby that just lay on the mat while she climbed. Obviously not directly below her and the place was empty.

www.nicas.co.uk/

indoor climbing walls are brilliant, you will get very fit, and meet lots of lovely people.

Do your kids not go to their father's at all? Many seperated parents have hobbies they do when the kids are with their father.

Oh gosh; if dds dad had her once every two weeks I wouldn't know I was born...no dad involved otherwise why would I moan? !

Sorry; bit bitter about that one. Could do with a break!

How about a pet of some sort, that can be good for children! You can walk a dog for example, with the dc.

Could you find another single parent to team up with and share childcare?

Another suggestion- St Johns Ambulance?

A lot of folks on my facebook seem to be taking up paper cutting as a hobby, and I started sewing. Got a few lessons with some local women and once I knew my stuff I could do it at home. Plus I met a couple of new friends that way. Obviously you don't get weekends away without the kids or anything when they are young, but it doesn't mean no hobbies at all...

do you go to playgroups? you might meet up with someone who is willing to help with childcare while you go and do an activity.
local libraies sometimes have have usefull info
we are lucky here as one of the playgroups has guest speakers sometimes and they also run HIPPY. They might have a HIPPY programme running in UK( have a look at HIPPY Australia and they might have details of a UK one). It gets you out and meeting people and you might be able to meet some good friends this way
good luck

How old is your child? What about ou? you probably won't have to pay, they have lots of financial aid and if you need help they can give it. Lots of online courses.

If you want to get fit try British military fitness which might be near you. Have you any nice neighbours that might come and sit in? You could try calling the club of whatever you are interested in. They might have other singles who could share child care with you. Some gyms have a crèche.

I tailor my hobbies to the fact I am with small dc day and night. So family tree, writing stories, going on walks with others ( rambling club) that are buggy friendy etc etc

Start a book club round your house?

How old are your dcs? Do you have anyone to call on for babysitting? lots of hobbies can be done after they have gone to bed (not kayaking obviously!) Maybe you could share with another mum who wants a hobby.
I feel for you as a single mum with no h/p input.
I'll help if you live on the Isle of Wight

You can learn a language online?
I do 10-30mins a day of French ... Usually while in bed!
I do a dance class once a week during the day while the kids are at school, it has a free crèche for preschoolers!
I am in an am dram group... I do have to get a babysitter once a week for this... She is young and cheap!
I enjoy sewing, you can often pick up a machine and fabrics for peanuts at the carboot!

There are things you can do which don't cost a fortune and fit around the kids.. You just have to be a bit more creative!