The guilt of being a single parent working more thanfull time

[MoroccoMole]

I hope I'm not alone in this, but how do others cope with this? I'm a parent to 2 teens working 45+ hour weeks to stay afloat. Obviously this means I'm not at home as much as I would like, especially as I do shift work so have to work a lot of weekends/late finishes.

Ex has sod all to do with them, see's them once a month if they're lucky. I'm just so exhausted, I feel like I'm failing my kids even though they seem fine and in teenager terms are really good kids. But I feel guilty for not being around, guilty for being so tired when I am and never having the money to be able to treat them

That sounds a lot OP but needs must so try not to feel guilty. Is there any way you can cut down your hours or do compressed hours or just move into a different role that allows a bit more flexibility? Are you entitled to tax credits / universal credit? That element might increase if you cut down your hours a bit.

If not then I guess you just have to accept it and be proud that you're working so hard to support them. Be open with them about why you're doing it. Ask them for more help around the home so that the time with each other can be more enjoyable as you will have less to do.

What do the teens say? Have a chat about how you can make more out of the time you have together. You have to work and sounds like you don't have much wiggle room there. You might find your teens are happy with a little time carved out each week just to have a movie afternoon/evening or a walk. You may be beating yourself up more than you need to be. Sounds tough.

Lone parent here.

Please don't feel guilty, it is the most pointless emotion.

Just say to your teens that quality time with them at weekends/holidays etc is super important.

I ask my DD15 to help more round the house too so she feels like we are
In it together, a team x