To not be able to mentally cope with end of summer and a toddler

[Briingba]

Single parent and last winter was awful. Dd couldn’t walk and the nursery run was so so horrible, defrosting the car in the dark, dashing in and out of the house to get her, driving in shit conditions, collecting her in the dark, being cold and worrying about money with the heating.

Then the weekends. Cold and dark. Not as much time outside. I was ill for almost a month.

I am honestly so low about it. How to get through it? March fees a long way to go

I think a lot of people feel like this at this time of year. It will be ok.

Have you both got a warm coat and wellies? So you can still get out a bit each day? Set up things at home to help keep busy? New play areas, drawing table/gear in a new pot or box, get them to help with a bit of cooking each day. Move furniture around to make little nooks to play in and build dens?

But I totally feel you.

Puddlesuit, wellies, good coat and hood for you so hands are free. Make sure your
car is ready for winter. Stock up on cheap throws, blankets at a charity shop for cuddling up and den building. She's so little that entertaining her is easier now than it might be in a couple of years time and she presumably goes to bed at 7 or so. Lots of small things. Try not to think of it as one long stretch

Hey I’m a single parent and feel you!

For entertainment - do you have any more gentle soft plays / play cafes near you? Depending on your toddler’s temperament/ age.
i had a bit of a routine from 18 months of about 3 places we alternated - one outdoor farm for sunny days - and I got membership to them.
i got a warm coat and lots of cheap Asda leggings to go underneath trousers which made a lot of difference for me.

We found a nice cafe that was always great for an early cosy weekend breakfast / snack as a treat. They got to know my child which was nice.

i started to meet people from nursery around that age (gradually) and had the odd play date at the weekend.

I also find keeping the seasonal lights up for months was quite cheering :)

Illnesses are still rampant but better every winter - your second winter, you might get ill but more low level hopefully mostly.

I get you though - this time of year I can also feel the anticipation of winter and as a single parent things can be tougher! Sending hugs