Any other single parents finding this very hard?

[BighouseLittlemouse]

Hello everyone

Just thought I’d reach out to see how other single parents are doing ( and if anyone has any tips!).

I’m not suggesting all single parents are the same or will be in the same boat - but figure there may be some similarities in our experiences?

I’m personally finding it very hard. I have two DCs (8 and 5), one with some SEN who has challenging behaviour at the best of times. I am still working full time ( I know v lucky to have a job!) but wfh. Am finding it very, very difficult. Pretty much failing at both work and the kids - v worried how far behind they will be getting, being chased by school as not posting any of their work etc.

Have also found isolation has really brought back a lot of feelings to do with my ex leaving ( he had an affair and now lives with his g/f, kind of living the life we had been planning). I feel very alone in this - even though I have friends they are with their DHs, it’s a different experience. Worried as well if after school clubs etc don’t come back in September what I will do.

Anyway if anyone wants to post and share any coping strategies they have found it just have a moan it would be lovely to hear from you!

I am. It's lonely as hell.

I just want to say I am also a teacher though and we get emails in from parents through smt outlining reasons why work is not being posted and telling us (nicely) to back off. Which we do. The reasons range from parents' work schedule to internet issues/ sharing a device. Worth a try? They can tick a box. I'm not saying schools are just box-tickers but it is tricky for them to get it right, especially just now, and if there are valid reasons for non- engagement with the work set, they might be happy enough to give you a pass.

I'll be following for tips with the rest. Right now there's a lot of screen time here. So that I can wfh and just for an easy life.

I know what you mean about it opening up a can of worms emotionally. Mostly I am grateful every day not to be locked down with my ex, or indeed any other adult, but it does give of course give us all a very big flavour of "I didn't sign up for this!" And that spills over into thinking what might have been, what could have happened....

Hi @LockUpYourDrawers ( great name!)

Yes it is really lonely and I know what you mean about not signing up for this. I’ve had other challenges in my life but this is now just starting to feel so hard.

Re the school - I do understand ( I’m actually a governor), it was as part of a conversation where I explained as part of my job have meeting calls all day so can’t just do work in evenings etc, difficulties with my eldest so was doing some sheets instead. I don’t blame the teacher at all as suspect she had been told to make this point ( I do think the ELT in the school are getting the balance wrong between supporting families ( and teachers ) and worrying about impact on SATS scores etc but that’s another story )