So so fed up of carrying everything

[technotstarnotechstar]

That's all. Just needed to say it somewhere. It just seems to be me and child all the time. Nothing to look forward to. I find holidays worse than term time because it's full of families booking weeks away and I can't afford it and have noone to plan with, so trying to find a budget holiday with someone to go with becomes just another chore on my to do list. Just really fed up today and can't see it ever getting better. I think it's made worse by having a brother who lives nearby who never seems free to do anything with us. He has a big family, well paid job and is always off on nights out and family holidays but never thinks to invite us.

That sounds tough OP 💐. How old is your child? Are there any single parent groups in your area? Could you start a single parent Facebook page for your area? Does the other parent have contact?

I think most single parents feel this way tbh so you’re definitely not alone.

That's sort of reassuring redcandyapple. My friends would never know this is how I feel but I plaster on a smile and also sitting down and crying about it is not really an option when you have your child with you all the time. I m sorry others feel bad too. However it makes me feel a bit less of a sad sack.

NotnowAlan, there don't seem.to be any of those groups in my part of the country. I know I could set one up but that is exactly what feels so depressing. I don't want to have to set one up..I have so little free time as it is. What I really want is someone to keep me company in the evenings and plan holidays with, without having to pay over the odds for single parent trips. So expensive! Also without having to ask lots of people and have them say they can't afford it because going away for two.weeks with their husband and children .

There are always moments of being over whelmed. I try to rein it in and just focus on the now. How old are your children. We are going to a haven holiday this easter for around £350. Will take our own food. Swim and disco. With some spending money for ice cream. Mine are a bit older now but when they were younger I took my mum with me. We only do long weekend and it's enough. Always pick one by the seaside that fills time and costs nothing.

Comparison is the their of joy. You are doing amazing.

I get it op. I mean, you could do air B&B type things which is fine but it's lonely, you want someone to sit and chat with once dc are in bed, or stay on the beach with them while you pop for a coffee or stay with the bags when you go in the sea. Can you talk to your brother? Say specifically? I took mine on holiday with two friends and their kids. They are both married so I was the only sp but it was brilliant. Someone for the kids to play with and me to talk to. Sell it as for the kids.

My DM never took me on holiday or on exciting days out. Town was a treat, and I played with the neighbours kids.
I never knew any different and I was quite happy.
I’d advise you not to say anything to your child about what they aren’t getting, and I know it’s hard when you’re on a downer and want a moan, but positive thoughts and words all the way.

I tend to book short trips with another single parent (or sometimes a friend whose husband doesn't enjoy going away and she does). Or I combine a holiday with visiting family or friends in another country, or even just another city.

Tbh the limiting factor for me is not that I'm a lone parent, but that DS likes to have other children around.

Join Frolo - the single parents app. They book a lot of trips away camping and other trips for single parents and their children which are affordable and you can have the support of other parents in the same situation. It is a lovely community. It is hard when you have to do everything yourself.

Thanks all, it's good to hear from people who get it.
TheYearOfSmallThings, I think this is my problem too really. Being single is one thing but it's compounded by my 10 year old not having anyone on holiday either. I find myself playing the role of a friend/ sibling sometimes because I can't always just say go on and play.
Being single with one child feels like a double serving of lonely sometimes though I know it means we don't have to pay as much.

Hugeavkmanswife , thank you. I have tried talking to my brother but it's like it doesn't go in when I talk. I honestly don't think he can begin to imagine what it is like and I don't want to keep asking them because I suppose I feel they would ask if they wanted to see me. It's hard to see them packing up their car for yet another week camping. Rubs in the loneliness.

I will try Frolo. I have lots of friends and if I had more time, it might be easier to plan in advance. It feels like it is always me asking and I don't think it is about me, more that two joining a family of four is tricky when booking somewhere. On bad days, I feel like it is me rather than circumstance.

This was me today. Called Samaritans, had a massive cry, dumped all my woes on them for 25 mins. It was enough to calm me down, reset and start again.

I get one hour a week in my home when I am not working w/o DS.

I feel crushed.