Good things about being a lone-parent...

[Grockle]

I've been finding it hard adjusting to being a single-parent again, after DP moved out. I'm tired from working/ cleaning/ cooking/ doing laundry and the constant treadmill of life. I've been cross and short-tempered with my poor DS and I feel tired and snappy all the time because I'm constantly nagging & repeating myself (DS has a hearing problem)

So, I hoped that if other people shared their positives of lone-parenting, that it might help me remember why this is good.

Not having to deal with DS's father is a plus.

I love doing things with just me & DS.

never ever buying chicken breast.

Having a bit more money as I don't have an abusive P spending it all down the pub / on shit junk food.

I've just thought of another.

I don't have to post a miserable thread in Relationships moaning about the crap my partner has done.

Freedom!
Not having to emotionally support him
No winding up of sensitive DC1
Sole control of the TV and finding new viewing pleasures without either stated or implied criticism
Listening to what I like on the radio and dancing madly with the dcs.

Eating what I like, when I like, especially unusual food combos
Not having to do any exH's laundry or pick up his deposited detris. Not having an xH use my eybrow tweezers to pluck nose hairs.
No manchild playing computer games or wittering on about buying games

Swimming

Like iCAN said, how wonderful to be rid of the huffy early riser.

And I certainly don't miss being forced out of bed when I was exhausted, having been home one day with our premature DS, to make tea for his fucking parents.

I love that I now have a happy home where I can relax.

You are a superwoman! It's hard work and rewarding . Today's Ian Duncan smith comment made me think of lone parents and what the Tory govt thinks of them . I do think an exhausted but happy parent is better than two slightly less knackered unhappy ones (in response to ids comments)

MNing in bed - as i am doing

Making up my own rules - like throwing the TV out last year. It's the best thing I ever did and I'm sure I wouldn't have been allowed to do that if a man lived in my house.

The satisfaction that my kids are 'all my own work'. It took me years to realise this and I wish I had dome so sooner.

Eating, MNing and sleeping when I like in my bed. And the electric blanket has completely negated the need for another body in there.

Having cats.

I really really love this thread.

What everyone else has said about eating what and when they like, too.

Having a proper life.

YOU HAVE MADE ME FREE!

Actually you have. He left me, a decade ago, but over the past year, on MN, I've realised that am actually better off. And my kids are thriving at school and in their lives - they feel free, too.

Fuck you, IDS.

No more wondering who he's on the IPhone/computer to.
Coming home to a tidy house.
Crackers and cheese for tea if thats what I fancy.
There's always wine in the fridge now?!
DVDs and duvets on the sofa on a Sunday afternoon because we can!
Mucking around with the kids and being silly without someone rolling their eyes and sighing.
Going to bed at 8:30pm if I want to
Making my own decisions without hours of debate.
NEVER having to see ex-MIL again :)
Having the girls round for pizza, wine and a good catch up when I want.

Amen to those sister!

Peace and harmony.
No more anxiety about his mood as he comes skipping or storming home from work.
No worries about dismissive putdowns in front of others.
having friends and family in and out and relaxing in their company.
knowing where the money goes
no more picking up tobacco piles
making the home a real sanctuary for me n the boys
not wondering whether he is telling the truth
never fearing that are stashes of drugs in the house
no loud heavy metal music
hurray hurray my life is so much better i wake up feeling blessed and noone bursts my bubble
and that nice feeling as other people say when the kids are all tucked in and I think yes I'm doing this by myself and i'm doing ok.

And yes Marymoo no more mil imposing on me :)

No tedious commentary on the shortcomings of every driver on the road
Cook/Dont cook - nobody cares
No making excuses for Daddy when hes drunk tired
No dismissive sarky remarks
No monologues on his day without so much as how was your day gettingeasier
No crashing around - why close a door using the handle when you can yank it shut from wide open
No face pulling at my gorgeous scented candles
No puddles at toilet pedestal base after nightly trips to the pub

No tedious commentary on the shortcomings of every driver on the road

Oh yes - I forgot that one! And the swearing and namecalling that went with it.

Basking in the fact that ILs think I'm wonderful
An enusite that's all mine mine mine!

4 weeks in and now I am happy.

I am proud that I am providing for my girls and they are taking pride in helping me out. I know that they are happier and probably feel more loved because its just us most of the time.

I love going to bed to a tidy house and waking up to a tidy house. No one snoring next to me (except sometimes dd1!), no one banging around in the morning waking everyone up because he is, cheaper bills, nicer food and only 2 children to pick up after!

Some days are tough but most are great

This is an inspiring thread. ive just watched the sopranos which i didn't do before and now will get into a warm bed with my electric blanket and not have to endure any snoring. I will wake up squashed by 2 or maybe 3 ds tho at some point.
I went on hols with my 3 kids this summer and was expecting to feel a bit out of it at evening entertainment. S
It was ok and most couples on hols with v young kids look a bit harassed anyway, its not exactly skipping through the meadows holding hands. but as busy as i was I knew that i wouldn't be hoping for help and support from x followed by disappointment and it was v liberating.

Not having to watch hours and hours of football. Or talk about football.

Lac - I agree with you totally. We now live in a blissful football free house - if ever I have to watch or hear another game it will be too bloody soon!