How much help do you get?

[bumblebee39]

I am pregnant with DC3 and have two DCs. Other than school for older DC, and nursery soon for younger DC nobody else cares for my kids. They don't see their dad (DV recent break up) and have irregular contact with friends/family otherwise they are with me 24/7.

Is this unusual/rare? I know quite a few single parents but they mostly have regular support from grandparents and ex. How much support/child free time do you get?

Tia xx

Will your new babies dad be around or is he the same dad as the other 2? i have 4 children and zero help what so ever. but like you most single parents I know have alot of help, im the obly one whose kids dont see their dad at all.

A bit like you OP.

I have one ds- family close but all working long hours like me, so no real help. Maybe a bit of babysitting or collecting from school twice a year. Ds "dad" never sees him (dv). I've had zero social life for 8yrs now....my best years are gone

Same dad sorry...

It's not just he doesn't have contact he isn't allowed it

I know leaving him was the right thing but the reality of being so on my own is just really setting in now... I don't go out etc. Anyway but it is going to be a struggle doing it so on my own if you see what I mean?

I don’t think it’s that rare. I have 4 DCs and on my own. Mine are older now so it’s an awful lot easier. I used to get quite upset seeing grandparents helping other families but hey, not much I can do about that. XH’s family isn’t far away but have never offered, or even taken much interest.

My feeling has always been ‘head down and get on’. I’m pretty proud of myself mind you.

Glad I'm not alone in being alone but sorry you're all going through this too. Xx

same with mine all the same dad but doesnt see any of them (his is through choice though!) its hard but you get on with it when theres no choice. I still get sad when i see couples or dads out with their kids but what can you do.

I don’t really mind to be honest. The responsibility would, from time to time, overwhelm me but I find parenting on my own (and life generally) far, far easier and less stressful. I simplified my life, I don’t go out much at all and work from home.

Now they are turning into young adults I am incredible proud of them, and myself. Plus I can see my own life coming back into focus.

It’s hard work, but it really is ok.

I am new on here. Looking for advice on exactly same thing. I am tired and frazzled a lot, I do have better days sonetimes. I am single parent to a one year old. Dad wasn't much support when he was here. Worked all week, flopped on sofa in evenings, out all weekend. Now I am trying to keep sane, run the home, sort finances, general shopping. Dad now sees baby Sunday afternoon/evening, sometimes evening in week. Won't compromise on weekend visits with his other commitments. My parents visit for about 20 mins a few times a week, and friends have a their own families. I was going to contact Homestart for advice possible help, but don't want to be a failure. I don't want to go into my relationship history, but it was hard work. I had to run round after him as much as I did with the baby. The routine and things me and baby do are pretty much the same now as when when my ex lived here. Basically me doing everything. I could manage but it's the tiredness and just wanting half hour to myself without feeling guilty.