AIBU to feel like the only single parent with a baby..

[soggydoggy]

I have a 6 year old and 6 month old. We had been together 9 years but during my pregnancy I was really unwell and he didn't support me.
When she was a few months old it was unbearable so he asked me to leave and I took the kids.
It's really getting to me seeing all these families on days out, every person at baby group has a wedding or engagement ring on.. and I don't even have a house never mind a fiancé. I'm dating someone who's lovely but I just miss having a family. AIBU to feel this way?

Gingerbread run local groups for lone parents to meet

www.gingerbread.org.uk/community/

I was able to relate until you said you are dating someone, I’ve been on my own for 5 years no chance of me ever being able to date 🤣 but yes the rest of what you said I can relate to, whenever I take my kids out to places I always seem to be the only one on my own, all I see is couples, I sometimes wonder where all the single parents hide! There is apps to meet other single parents but I wouldn’t use them personally but you may want to connect with other single parents?

I was in a very similar situation to you a few years back. I was basically single with three kids after I dumped the youngest 2 kid's dad. I had no problem with getting a boyfriend but thought I'd never have the family I wanted, I just accepted I wouldn't ever have that.
I found strength in myself though and was proud of the fact I did everything for my kids with very little support. At times it was hard but I reminded myself everything I did was for them and they came first. When my third child was still a baby I met someone unexpectedly, fell in love and very quickly fell pregnant and had a baby together. We're married now. He's a dad to all of them. My story may not be everyone's ideal and I'm sure some people judge me, having kids to three different men, but we're a family and we love each other. A family unit doesn't always have to be the perfect mum, dad and 2 kids. It can be blended and unique.

I just miss having a family

You have a family.

What you don't have is a partner you are raising children with. But you still have a family. A perfectly valid and normal family.

You must be at different baby groups to me then! Lots of mums round my way who arent wearing rings - either not engaged, or (me) don't currently fit post pregnancy! You do have a family. You don't need a man to be one.

Ps god knows how you fit in dating when you have a 6month old and a 6 year old! I thought I was winning if I ate and slept with a baby

Single parent. Haven’t been on a date in over 2 years.
I don’t have the time

My son and I are family. It doesn’t need an extra parent to be family.