How do you manage a social life?

[duffybeatmetoit]

I'd like to join a women's group that meets twice a month (evenings) but have a small child. DD's father lives couple of hundred miles away, my entire local support network consists of one person who doesn't have any DCs but does have an active social life. I don't want to be having to ask my friend to make a regular commitment to

Money is tight and I can't afford the £9 per hour that local babysitters charge and I'm not able to reciprocate for other parents wanting a night out. I work fulltime and I the only parent locally who does that so I can't have other people's children during the day. Everyone seems to do family stuff at weekends so don't need a sitter during the day on a weekend. I haven't found any other single mums locally.

Have you found any ways around this problem?

Know what you mean AmIthatbad - I too have no social life, and used to get absolutely foul with myself over exh being able to do whatever whenever.....but now I'm past caring, and just hope when dd gets older she'll realise who it was that was there for her.......
My social life consists of nights out once in a while usually on the night she's at her dad's......but it does get to me sometimes when my mates say about classes/gym/places they go to that I just can't when I'd love to.

Ladies, I am heart broken at the thought of you not having a social life.
It does depend on the child/drens age.
My DS is 6 now and it's easier as we can go to family orientated parties now together as he can stay up later.....the last 6 years has flown too.
I think there are more family orientated parties happening as more people are in this situation and it just a more mediteranian way which is good...
ok, before then - baby sitter swap - do it - you take yours with you when you are sitting.
If you don't work full time - get out to baby and mum groups - meet people and make more friends - to get it back you have to put it out there - the people you meet will be glad of your friendship.
I agree with who put about seeing baby sitting money as an investment like childcare/nursery. One great night out every other month is a start.
Get friends round to yours -I think I mentioned before about a book club I am in - once a month and we have a few drinks and food too.
Please try and get one you go mad.
I still struggle with the gym - but hey ho so be it.
My DS doesn't currently see his dad.

I have no social life at all, I think I have been out in the evening once in three years. People have stopped inviting me now, not because they are being unkind just because its a foregone conclusion that I wont be able to go. I cant afford the night out and the babysitter too.

BUT I have my beloved dd 4 and that is worth every sacrifice in the world.