How to make a life for yourself

[RedCandyApple]

Just wondering how other single parents make a life for themselves? Mainly aimed at lone parents like me that don’t get any time off, how do you make a life for yourself that doesn’t just revolve around kids? I never get a break or time to myself And I feel like I have no purpose really I have no social life at all.

Hi, the only time I get to myself is when my youngest is at school and it’s my day off (I work 12.5 hour shifts so lucky normally have 2 - 3 days a week to myself when he’s at school). Like you I don’t have any form of social life, spend alot of my income on wrap around childcare so can’t afford further costs to go out. He’s also very challenging behaviour wise so my mum can’t cope with him and he isn’t allowed contact with his dad. The Christmas holidays were really tough, tough because it was lonely and also because childcare is a nightmare (luckily I didn’t work Xmas day but New Year’s Day instead). The only thing I do for myself is go for runs on my day off, again, something I’ve not been able to do over the Xmas holidays. I’d love to think about dating again (been single 6 years and was in a horrifically abusive relationship) but can’t see how that would ever work tbh. Life is hard especially sometimes.

Slowly, a little at a time. When the kids children are at school to start with, join a gym class or walking group, book club, volunteer? Anything you’re interested in. Do you work 5 days?

I've been a lone parent for a while now and it does get easier. I work all week in a school so don't get a break from kids at all but I've made some great friends through work and now mine are old enough to be left for a bit I meet them for coffee.

No I’m not currently working as I have a disabled child so I am a carer but that adds to the loneliness, I barely speak to any other adults apart from my mum and even saying that sounds sad 😖

Dating would be out of the question for me as well been single 5 years now and although my mum would have one occasionally she wouldn’t have all of them.

There's often social / support groups linked to disabilities...have you had a Google or looked on your local fb groups?

Any support groups for disabled children you could attend? Or a carers group? If you do get any time for your self exercise or volunteering?