not really enjoying parenting

[Forrestcatt]

does anyone else not really enjoy parenting? i think i would enjoy it more if i got regular breaks but doing it all alone is just so difficult, never get a chance to be just me even for a day i have single parent friends and they still have so much fun and going on holidays / nights out etc whereas i feel like my life has stopped, every day is just the same thing.. feel like i have nothing to look forward to other than the same old thing, obviously didn't plan to be a single parent so life isn't really how i wanted.

Sorry to hear you’re having a hard time, how old is your child/ children? I’m a single mum too, not sure what your circumstances are but can you extend their childcare to give yourself a regular couple of hours to yourself each week? My gym has a Lego club for 3-5s so my son goes there for an hour while I have a swim/ coffee and this is golden for me. I also look forward to the next stage with him, so for example there’s no way I can go and see ‘28 years later’ in the cinema, but I think next year I’ll be able to take him to see kids films in the cinema and I’ll enjoy that. Do you have any funds you could use to treat yourself a little? Even if it’s just some nail polish/ lovely face cream. Finally remember that comparison is the thief of joy. You said you didn’t ask to be a single parent, but try and focus on the positives. I know it’s easier said than done, but I don’t doubt you love your child/ren and they won’t be little forever. Good luck x

Single parenting is hard as it is, but single parenting with no support is a whole other issue. It’s very tiring, thankless and isolating.

It’s not the same as having time for yourself at all but during the weekends try to get out of the house and do things with your child so that at least you have the feeling of a break in routine.

I don’t know if it works for you, but when DD was in school I used to take the odd annual leave every other month just to sit at home in silence and have a break for myself.