I know it's been done to death but...

[callmehannahbaker]

I see a lone parent as one who is alone. WITH NO FATHER AROUND!
It is awful and stupid of me I know, but, lone parenting isn't having the children 5 days out of 7 etc.
I have posted on here under many guises and asked for help/understanding tonne met with replies such as "when XDP has her", "on your weekends off"... I have none. It is just DD and I.

In no way do I mean I have it any harder, it's just I thought lone parents would mean lone parents.

You could go on categorising to the smallest niche though, and I don't see that as particularly helpful.

There could be lone parents who have GP's helping out each day and at weekends. Which would be easier than my situation of having an ex doesn't communicate at all and leaves me in situations of extreme stress.

If, for the majority of the time you are looking after your child independently, or have an ex that doesn't get involved in any of the parenting (my ex pays no money, is never flexible to cover sick days or appointments, and never gets involved in school matters, medical matters or behaviour issues) then really in child raising in completely alone.

I have no family either. Basically two weekends a month on his side are just a massive sleepover party. I spend that time cooking, shopping, washing etc

I don't think the majority of single parent families get weekends to themselves. It happens sometimes that's all.

When ds was younger he would stay at his dad perhaps 1 in 3 weekends it was no great shakes I would sit at home with no money and or catch up with housework. Nothing special whatsoever other than rest. Which I must admit I did need when ds was primary school years.

Now ds is 12 he doesn't stay at his dad any longer and I really don't feel I need a 'break' any longer anyway.

I'm a lone parent. To be honest I think it's easier as I don't have to deal with any annoying ex to co-parent with