A thread for lone (and not in a relationship) parents

[Doyoumind]

I know there are many groups who are facing challenges at the moment but thought I would start a thread for single parents.

I am self employed and wasn't on a high income immediately before all this happened either so I have financial worries. I have worries, as everyone does, about parents and other family members. I have DC still in primary but noticing and reacting to what is going on around them and I am already socially distancing due to medical conditions.

It is always difficult taking on the entire mental load and not having someone close to share it with. I am happy not to be in a relationship but I think particularly at the moment, it is starting to feel very lonely.

Once the schools close, it will be difficult for everyone, I know, but keeping DC occupied and happy whilst all this goes on alone isn't going to be easy.

Anyone else feeling like this?

I got some shopping done today and feel we can now manage for a while but I felt like bursting into tears in the supermarket even though they had most of what I needed. It was just the reality hitting home.

DC's school is still open. I wish I knew more about whether the children who are not going in have it, or have it in their families or whether they are just being cautious. It would help me decide whether to keep DC home.

I haven't had time to make a start on the schedule yet but that will get done as soon as I get a chance so we are ready for next week when I'm expecting the schools will be closed.

I am a lone parent with two dds. I will have to work from home so have no idea how I am supposed to home school them.

I posted this on another thread, but it fits here to. Im a single parent to one DC 10. Looks like im being made redundant in the next few days. the only support i have is my mum who is 72 and under instructions to isolate due to severe COPD

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If they announce mass school closures then they are going to have to put in place some kind of update for a benefit payment for working parents.

Currently only single parents with a child under 5 can claim income support so they don't have to look for work.

Anyone with a child over 5 needs to claim JSA which you need to prove you are looking for work and take it where it is offered.

HOW can parents do this if they have to be at home to look after children as the schools are shut? Or are the government planning on finding a few million childcare providers in the next few days? angry

So basically i go on JSA, Manage to find a job, but cant take it as i have no one to look after DC if schools shut... so i will then not be entitled to JSA and will be well and truly up shit creek

Sunshine I am sure they are looking at benefits and changing who is entitled taking into account that people can't work. It has been mentioned already. You will be given support and won't be left with nothing so try not to worry. You will probably go on to Universal Credit. Do you have some money to keep you going until it comes through?