To think being a Single Mum can be a good thing?

[WashwithCare]

More state benefits.

25% off your council tax.

No man-pong socks to wash.

Childfree weekends to have fantastic hotel-sex with your luvver.

I was marrried for 10 years and now have been single mum to 2 for 10 years. It is a struggle sometimes (work full time) but having a man around again and all that entails would not make me any happier. I am my own boss (s/emp), my boys are very content(see dad whenever they like), I have social life and enough to get by. Money is tight sometimes, I cut/colour my own hair, buy clothes from charity shops, have two pairs of shoes and a six year old handbag but that doesn't matter. I think the type of person you are defines how you cope being a single mum. It may make you stronger or break you.

lematthedogs - I'm in a not dissimilar position to your friend by (adoption not DI), professional, well thought through, blah blah blah. I don't think I had any greater shock at the realities of motherhood than anyone else - yes it was completely different to what I was expecting but no more so that any of my other friends who are now parents.

I'm 45 now and still haven't met the "right" man so I'm really glad I didn't wait, though I still hope to find Mr Good Enough.

Best thing I ever did in my life, good luck to your friend and her baby. No reason why she should make any more of a mess of parenthood or be any happier/unhappier than anyone else. In fact now that many of my married friends are breaking up, many of them envy my simple non-shared residence life!

oh i absolutely agree kewcumber I guess you would have to know my friend to realise that actually - she is in for a big surprise - however, one that will do her good i think.

Life as a single mum is not one I'd volunteer for.

I think being a single mum can be a very good thing. In my case, it has allowed me the time, freedom and tax-credit money to stay up late into the night drinking anything I canm get my hands on, while applying online to be Prime Minister at bepm.com

I am proud to say that I am on a shortlist of four and swatting hard for the final interview which is next Monday, 2.30pm at Millbank.

I have to make a presentation about time-management and then show some civil servants that I am well used to managing a buggered economy.

I am expecting to be selected. And therefore being a single mum has enabled this mega leap forward in my career (I am currently a cleaner.)