Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Lone parents

Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.

To have aged dramatically since becoming a lone parent

6 replies

Camcam · 29/12/2023 21:19

Hi ladies,

Im only 26 but after a very stressful divorce and barely anytime to myself, I can’t believe how much I have aged over the past few years since becoming a single parent.

Looking back, I was rather pretty before my ds came along. I was scouted for modelling, took care of my appearance and makeup, teeth whitened, regularly had my hair highlighted and nails always manicured.

Divorce pretty much financially destroyed me and ever since I have struggled to find a job around young ds childcare hours so money has been tight. My clothes are mostly all from the charity shop, makeup is rationed for special occasions (cheap brands) and can no longer afford or have the time to get my nails and hair done. I did used to get Botox (far too young I know!) but could no way afford that now.

My skin is making me most self conscious. After another stressful year, I have started developing deep wrinkles on my forehead, fine lines under my eyes and nasolabial creases. I drink lots of water, don’t drink alcohol or smoke, take vitamins and try to eat well. I sleep very early shortly after ds goes to sleep so not lacking in the sleep department.

I know there is much bigger things to worry about but I look back at photos of myself from a few years ago and look like a different person. I can’t help but feel self conscious. I’ve been cheated on in most previous relationships and have been yet again recently when I finally decided to start dating again (ow was much prettier which hasn’t helped my confidence). I cringe when people ask my age as they mostly always think I’m a lot older.

Not really sure of the point of this post, just a vent really! Hope everyone’s having a good evening so far :)

OP posts:
Hubblebubble · 04/01/2024 16:22

Suncream, everyday, even in the winter. That's the most useful anti ager.

Hubblebubble · 04/01/2024 16:22

Also, if possible, trying to focus on the value you have outside of your looks.

Augustus40 · 07/01/2024 16:08

Factor 50 suncream.

Can you find a hair salon that does model afternoons and you book eg half a day off work? Or the local college etc. They may even colour your hair too at a very good price.

juicelooseabootthishoose · 07/01/2024 17:32

Id say don't panic. I know many of us look/feel like this after a divorce. But you do recover as the stress fades and life moves on. And the harshness of it subsides. Its all a bit 'severe' to start with but it does soften.

diapernappy · 13/01/2024 15:10

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Camcam · 20/01/2024 10:53

Hi all and apologies for the late responses. Only just seen this now! Thanks all for your advice I’ll start applying sunscreen :)

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread