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Lone parents

Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.

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Original poster

Finding this tough

14 replies

AKP79 · 25/12/2012 08:52

This is my first Christmas as a single parent and finding it tough. I've just put my 11 month old son down for a nap and checked my phone - loads of Christmas wishes from happy family units and two engagement announcements from friends. It's made me feel very low and emotional and I was so determined to stay strong today!!

Hope everyone else is doing ok.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

MissPricklePants · 25/12/2012 09:04

Ah OP the first Christmas as a single parent is tough! I have a 3.7 year old dd and have been single since before her first Christmas. Enjoy your day with your ds.

DeltaUniformDeltaEcho · 25/12/2012 09:09

It is tough but you also get the joy of knowing that you alone have made their christmas special.

I'm a single parent and sat here with the kids for our first christmas by ourselves. Normally we go to family because I don't like to be alone but actually it feels ok this year.

I'm trying to keep myself occupied with making it fun for the kids instead of focusing on myself.

I hope you have a lovely day. Doing something special for yourself while he's sleeping - cuppa, tv and some biscuits or chocolates :)

glitch · 25/12/2012 10:53

AKP, how are you doing now? Has ds woken up?
Plenty of films on the telly, hope you have lots of chocolate in, and you can always go for a walk in torrential rain (we have to take the dog out...urgh!!!). Plus MN will be here all day .

SuperGlumFairy · 25/12/2012 13:47

I am wobbling a bit today as my first Christmas as a solo parent, it started with DS having a blood nose at 6am, then DD throwing up by 11am and then Ex sending eldest DD a text msg full of rubbish sentiments so I had a crack back at him. Kids are happy though, DD feeling much better after a nap, they love their pressies even if I got none I had the joy of watching them open a few select things that I know they really love. We have a big hot yummy dinner planned, crackers for the table, special serviettes, loads of chocolate for when we snuggle up on the sofa for some TV later and frankly that's all we need.
They are not missing their Dad at all, don''t care he is not here and are relaxed and content. It's all I could ask for.

Bossybritches22 · 25/12/2012 13:49

all round to those that need them.

It does get easier, honest xxx

Original poster

AKP79 · 25/12/2012 18:05

Hi everyone, thanks for your messages. I had a nap while DS slept and then spent the day with my family, I was dreading being around so many couples, but it was actually ok and the best thing is DS seems to of really enjoyed himself and that's all that matters. I think it was the engagement announcements that sent me over the edge, is always expected my ex to propose at Christmas. I felt really bad about feeling so jealous and resentful of my friends good news!

Hope everyone else is doing ok xx

OP posts:

Foxy800 · 25/12/2012 20:38

Hi, this is my first christmas as a single parent as well. I was dreading it, we had it with ex and his stepmum and dad and other family members of his. In fact it was a great day.

Just a little bit of a downer that we are now back home and ex is carrying on the single life down the pub but that is life and I am just pleased dd had a great day.

HarleyK · 25/12/2012 20:44

This was mine and DS' first Xmas alone too. I only split from my ex 3weeks ago so I'm still pretty raw. Thought spending time with my family would help but after hours of being confined to a separate room because "the baby's crying is upsetting our guests" somehow I feel even worse than I did before...

Foxy800 · 25/12/2012 20:54

That sounds harse HarleyK. Hope things get better from now on.xx

HarleyK · 25/12/2012 21:19

Foxy800- Thank you, I'm sure they will eventually. I have a beautiful baby boy and even though its horribly cheesy...there's plenty more fish in the sea

WankinginaWinterWonderland · 25/12/2012 21:27

I've found it a bit emotional too, this is my 3rd, the first he had just gone, last year I was taking him back then had a re-think, this year I am over him but still feel a little emotional. Not

It's not great with engagement announcements, weddings coming up and babies due. Almost over for another year, onwards and upwards OP, cuddle your DS, this always helps me, if they are playing I just cuddle a cat x

Foxy800 · 25/12/2012 21:49

Exactly Harley, I keep reminding myself of that saying too.x

WildWorld2004 · 26/12/2012 01:25

As someone who jus had their 6th xmas day as a single parent. I can tell you all that it is wonderful.
This morning i got to share the excitement with dd, i got to watch her open her presents & i got all the kisses, cuddles & thank yous as she opened her presents. Christmas is special

Debaura22 · 26/12/2012 13:30

Its good to know that we have not been the only ones on our own (myself and daughter). She is happy but I have been down at times and quietly crying in the kitchen!! She doesn't even have any siblings to play with over xmas! I dread the time when she may get bored of it just being us 2! So far, she has had a good time! Single parenting is hard but even tougher without much family. Xmas is a bizarre time!

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