Days out this time of year depressing

[Sockmonster23]

Not really a massive moan but I love days out with my kids but it’s not the same being single I mean not parks and stuff but this time of year events , Santa shows, grottos etc and seeing everyone in groups and couples and me on my own with 3 year old and 4 year old boy they can be good but it’s difficult as it is as my 4 year old has SEN and really needs watching and can meltdown easily. 3 year old is well that difficult age lol my eldest is 8 and fine but I feel she might feel left out as I do have to literally watch my other 2 every Second of course her too and I do and she is so sensible and doesn’t give me any problems. They are all great kids but our family dynamic has changed a lot and it’s hard. They had a lovely day, it cost me more than I can afford but I just their childhood to be good. I love them happy but felt bit sad watching couples drinking hot chocolate whilst kids play. It’s second year single but still. Does it get better ?

I feel like this, when I go out I’m usually one of the only one on my own with my kids, everyone else is in groups or couples, makes me realise how alone I am

It's so tough, it sucks to be the only adult responsible for all of it, without another adult it can really take the fun factor out. But you do need to remember, loads of those couples looking happy could be absolutely sick of each other, and wish they were alone. Also, you have 3 kids, I have an only & I wish she had siblings, it's really hard with 1 whose bored & only wants other children. Now I know it's not easy & having additional needs is so very hard, just saying that the grass can always look greener but it's not necessarily so.

Hi sockmonster - I also have three and understand how you feel. It is lonely. It is also exhausting having to have eyes in the back of your head and endless reserves of patience. I worry that my energy will run too low and I will just stop.

The more innocence I see in the kids eg nativities, eyes glittering for father Christmas etc the more I feel the loss for them and for myself.

Sending you a big hug. You aren't alone