To ask: what is your life honestly like as a working single parent?

[KeepItToYourselfPlease]

I'm struggling. Or do I need to make some changes? I'm a single parent (not through choice) I work part time (take home a lot of work) and have a 3 year old.

I feel like my life is chaos. At the end of my working week, my house is a complete tip, I leave the house at 7.30, arrive home with DC at around 5pm. By the time I have done dinner, bath and bed and got started on work I have to get done, had a shower because I don't have time to have one in the morning, there's just no time for anything else house related.

I feel guilty because in the mornings I have to put 3 year old in front of tv so I can actually get me dressed and presentable for work, lunches and breakfasts done, and DC ready for nursery.

It just feels like a hamster wheel. Trying to make sure I don't forget anything, for me or DC, negotiating tantrums, trying not to be late for work, painfully aware that my performance at work and income is so crucial now I'm on my own. Its really bloody hard not having someone else there to share the load.

Is this just the way it's going to be for now? I think I just need to know there's an end to this!

[KeepItToYourselfPlease]

And thank you for all the lovely supportive words

I am still adjusting to my new 'status' and its really good to hear supportive and positive views about single parents xxx

[MyPeriodFeatures]

www.the-pool.com/news-views/opinion/2016/38/one-womans-upsetting-experience-of-family-court

I have just read this. To the poster of this link I'm guessing this is you.

I am crying, angry and am DETERMINED to be part of a solution.

How you got through this I don't know.

I wanted to comment about how inspired I am having read this, and after going through DV and family courts (still recovering). I have left career behind. Now I think I might be able to get it back.

Thanks to all the posters her. I love Mumsnet!

[TotallyOblivious]

I'm in the same boat OP and you can only do your best. Keep in mind that although it's tiring / stressful you are proving for your DC and showing her a good working ethic. Hard work always pays off.

You're doing a good job be proud

[purplefox]

I've been single since DS was 2, he's now 6, and I've found it's got harder as he's got older, especially when he started school, which now means daily homework, spellings, uniform, school projects, parties, needing random stuff for school 'events' without any notice all to do once we get home at 6.30. Childcare costs didn't really decrease, instead of nursery fees its after school club, breakfast club and holiday club.