Anyone here who has been a lone parent from day one?

[MissB83]

Obviously there are all kinds of lone parents but would be interested to hear from those who have been lone parents from day one and some maybe 95% or more of the care on your own?

What is your bond like with your child/ren?
How do you make time for yourself?
How do you keep your energy up?!
What is the situation with the other parent and are you ok with that?
What things do you find hardest?

I've been a LP effectively since my DS was a 20 week foetus. I'm actually happy with the situation although it's hard and I need my village around me! Recently moved to be near my parents which has been excellent. My "me time" is when DS (18 months) has gone to bed and between 7:30-9am on two days a week before I start working from home!
My son's father is erratic and isnt in his life in any meaningful way, he hasn't seen him now in about 6 months, partly as we moved away and partly as I asked for a contact centre because he made me feel unsafe by making advances and sexually assaulting me even in public places. I'm planning to give it another try in a few weeks time but quite nervous about it. I find it easier without him around to be honest.
The biggest thing is isolation; it's hard having days not speaking to another adult. But I do like that I've been able to bring up my son exactly how I want and we have an amazing bond.

@MummyRM100 Glad you've some comfort in my posts. I've pm'd you, hopefully it works!

I have been a single parent for 10 years! I have a 10 year old son...during this time I went to college for 4 years...it has not been easy but I have a great mother and son bond and he has grown up to be a polite and respectful young man! Sometimes I felt that I was giving up!! But we are so happy and content! I do worry that he is very sensitive and I worry that he worries about me alot!

Hey coco 89 - ah lovely to hear your story too. Well done you studying for 4 years while being a lone parent from day 1. That's amazing ! I also worry a little as my 7 yr old ds is sensitive and I worry sometimes that just me and him all the time will make him worry about me. We have a lovely happy relationship however. It's probably just my anxiety - at a high at the moment !

Do you work now coco ? I do 33 hours a week which means I finish in time for school pick up twice a week. Fought long and hard to get those hours it was a huge battle! X

Hey! Yes I do work now..I work 40 hours a week I only get to pick up up on a friday but I have all weekend off!! However I start a new job in 2 weeks as a care assistant..again that is 39 hours! But some nights so I'll get to spend more time with him after school! He does understand that I need to go to work in order for him to have nice things ..Im very lucky to have great family support

My aunt is a lp with her two kids. The eldest used to see her dad every weekend but the youngest has never met his dad( different parents obvs) he once sent her a card with €50 in it for the boy but it's his choice to not get involved. The boy has learning issues and she feels the strain of being a Lp to her kids. The eldest is an irritable teen who argues constantly with her mum etc and runs away and has left school. Ss have offered her the chance to live with another family if she continues with school but she won't do that. The girl is about 15 and the boy is 10

Lone parent to autistic 13ds from the beginning. Parents and siblings helpful. He sleeps out 1 night per 3 months with family and has done since being a toddler.
If I had an emergency someone could collect from school etc, but only in an emergency. No involvement from his dad or that side of his family, bar £16 per week maintenance, even that cannot be relied upon.
I work part time around him, it works just fine. He’s happy and content. We’re really close and mostly get on great. Home life is chilled and calm. Perfect really.
I can go to the gym or meet friends for coffee while he’s at school on my mornings off, probably 4 nights out a year (more than some of my married friends)
How I cope and keep my energy up? all I can say is it’s all I’ve ever known, so I just do :)
The thing that’s most difficult is relationships, it’s difficult to meet someone, then to build a relationship when you have limited child free time.