To think this would be the perfect solution...

[GlitterUnicornsAndAllThatJazz]

...for lots of single parents.

Imagine there was an association you could apply to as a single parent that paired you up with another single parent for a house share.

You'd be matched based on parenting styles, kids ages, values and work hours.

The idea is you would get the company, and you'd also take turns babysitting, doing tea, etc.

Basically houseshares. Why doesnt this exist?

Because people don’t want it?

I certainly don’t want to share my living space with anyone else. TBH I don’t even want my own children here sometimes let alone someone else’s.

No idea but it’s something I’ve thought about often as a lone parent of 3. If I ever won silly money on Euromillions it would be at the top of my list for things to do, because there needs to be more support out there. I’ve had the hardest two years of my life with zero support at all and most of it would have been avoidable (eg when I’m really sick, or when one of the kids are sick so the others have to stay off too because I can’t get the non sick ones to school)

How would the housing work?

Would someone move into my house? And pay half my rent? Or could I charge them what I like? How would that affect my tax credits and housing benefit? What if we didn’t get on? Would they be lodgers I could kick out on a whim? Or would I have to give them 2 months notice and get bailiffs involved?

Well i thought of the idea because when I was growing up, my mum had something very similar with the next door neighbour. She was a single mum too and had two boys around my age, and the hours they both worked meant that we were all either with her or with my mum. I have really fond memories of that time, and I know she and my mum really helped each other through a tough time, even as far as doing each others cooking and laundry sometimes.

It could be a great thing.

There have been house shares for single parents set up on mumsnet actually, and I’ve seen one set up after an advert on my local Facebook.

Can work well for some people.

@DonnyAndVladSittingInATree

I'm not sure but I think it would work best if both families moved in somewhere new together so that it felt more equal.

It would be tricky finding housing with enough bedrooms.

No way would I want to share with anyone!

god no - not for me - I can't imagine living with other peoples kids

good mates are worth their weight in gold but I don't want to live with them

What would happen if the kids' access weekends with the NRPs didn't co-ordinate?

Imagine packing your own kids off for their fortnightly visit, and instead of lying on the sofa all afternoon getting shitfaced in peace- you still have to deal with somebody else's kids instead.

You'd be matched based on parenting styles, kids ages, values and work hours.

With all of this to consider I imagine it would be really difficult to find a match.

I could see it working in some kind of purpose built place with individual apartments but communal spaces. Like social areas etc. Maybe a sort of Co-Op association. Where if someone needs emergency childcare for Monday they put a notice on a system and whoever can help offers. But it would be tricky. Would new partners be allowed to stay? Would everyone be police checked? Would children’s NRps be allowed to visit and spend time in communal areas with their DC? Nice idea but can’t see it working in practise.

@SaucyJack

@DonnyAndVladSittingInATree
You're right, purpose built housing would be way better, nice self contained flats but with huge communal kitchen and playroom to be shared between say 3 families called "pods", with each pod occupying one floor.

Maybe the building could have a qualified childminding service at super low rates so really your shared aspect is just cooking together or hanging out in the playroom. Each flat could have its own small living room when you just dont want to see people.

I dont think partners would be allowed.

I guess the other issue would be - what if you got put in a pod with someone who has the kids from hell?

Yes and would your children have to move out when they watched 18? Would they be allowed to bring friends back? Have a drink in your apartment?

What your suggesting is basically a arranged marriage??

Works for some people I guess