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Lone parents

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

Original poster

Really feeling shit

8 replies

Missythecat · 04/09/2018 22:29

Can someone cheer me up?

Lone parent, work full time. Ex is next to useless. Pays nothing and has him for barely meaningful contact. I chose this I suppose as I don't want to be with his father anymore. He was the same together as we are now. Useless. And I couldn't have my life being the one picking up all the slack when in a "partnership".

But now I'm not and single motherhood is a killer. My son is failing at school. I am supposed to fix this despite working full time because I have to. I don't see the other school mums as I work so I'm not at pick ups. My son has no meaningful friendships at school. I don't know how to cultivate them. I have handed my number out but no takers.

My son struggles with school life. I know I have to spend more time on working on it but after a whole day at work and school run, I'm spent.

I hate being a single parent but the alternative ie the ex is just as shit. I don't want to be told I have to work harder right now.

OP posts:
cantstandmenow · 04/09/2018 23:09

What age is your son? Can he do an after school activity? Or something at the weekend?

Creeper8 · 06/09/2018 14:02

I can relate alot. My ex is absent. My child also hates school and doesnt seem to have any friends and nor have I made any, He hasnt been invited to any parties or play dates. Feel abit judged as a single mother tbh. Im looking into clubs outside of school is that an option??

cricketmum84 · 06/09/2018 14:47

Are there any sports he enjoys? They can be really good for creating new friendships for both of you, there's usually a good solid family feel to sports clubs if he wanted to play for a team?

Original poster
Missythecat · 06/09/2018 18:30

I have tried weekend clubs but he hasn't made friends before and then rallied against going. It's so frustrating.

Most kids don't have this problem and I blame myself for working tbh.

Might try another club

@Creeper8 Flowers it's bloody hard work

OP posts:
lippy72 · 08/09/2018 00:38

It is hard I am in the same boat struggling to encourage new friendships and yet struggling to find the time for them or me ... clubs such as scouts are good as activities forge friendships and you get to meet people whilst waiting to pick up etc most of all don't be too hard on yourself you are doing this standing proud and caring for your dc ... no parent feels they get it right but the fact you are concerned tells me you are a good parent !!

gluteustothemaximus · 08/09/2018 00:54

DS1 has only just started making friends and he's in year 11. He struggled.

DD is home schooled. I work full time. DS2 is a demon toddler.

I am stretched beyond words. I feel shit all the time. I feel guilty all the time.

It's hard. So sorry it's tough for you. He will get there in the end. As I said, it took mine ages to form friendships. Made me so Sad seeing him alone in the playground.

Do you have fun on the weekends together?

cricketmum84 · 08/09/2018 15:42

I found with my DS playing sport has been a game changer for him. Since he took up cricket and started playing for our local team his confidence has improved massively. His club hold a lot of social events too and parents always chat during the games so it's a win for both of us :)

Original poster
Missythecat · 10/09/2018 19:55

I have decided on a new martial arts weekend class. Will limit what we can do in weekends but might forge friendships. We normally do stuff like the beach or museums but it is always with me alone. He needs more kids interactions.

lippy72 and gluteustothemaximus its hard isn't it. To find the energy. Flowers to you

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