Motivation. Single parent. Disabled children. Teen and baby. Infidelity.

[Mum431]

I'm struggling with motivation most days to keep up to everything. I have a 5 month old baby, 8 year old type 1 diabetic (diagnosed 3 years), my 11 year old was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease when I was 32 weeks pregnant and currently has loads of hospital appointments including full days for infusions and uses a wheelchair for longer distances now, I also have a 14 year old and I home educate the older 2. I also found out when I was pregnant that my OH was cheating with his neighbour so we're separated and he lives 50 miles away. I'm so grateful for everything I have and feel so happy to be able to be at home with my kids and supporting them and spending time with them but I am feeling a bit fed up and some stuff is slacking like the housework.

Is oh dad to all? Moving out of the family home does not negate his responsibility as a parent!!

Yes he is but he is banned from driving for another 6 months so he barely even sees the children as well.

Put your children in school.

I can understand why HE or online school may make sense for the 11 year old if they are in and out of hospital. Why is the 14 year old not in school?

My 8 year old is in school. I don't home educate for the fun of it; my son was at school until his recent diagnosis which makes school very difficult for him and there are reasons why I home educate my daughter such as bullying. Thanks tho

Her attendance was extremely low, she was struggling a lot with her mental health. Since home educating she's doing really well.

School seems an obvious answer here, surely for the dc as well as you ?!

You have a hell of a lot on your plate.

Do you have Home Start in your area? They may be able to offer a little support.

Do you get any help with the homeschooling - for example are your DC enrolled in an online school or is it all on you? Is there a plan to get the 14 yo back to school - hopefully a different school might be easier for her?

Is your diabetic DC able to get a pump to make life easier? Or is that not suitable?

Why has your OH moved 50 miles away, that’s pretty shit when he doesn’t drive?

Just trying to think of ways the burden could be made a little lighter.

I'm not surprised - you have too many children.
Have a re-set and get everyone back to school. It's very unlikely you can possibly educate a secondary school child properly and they won't reach their full potential unless you get them back

ignore the posters telling you to get them back to school. They don't fully know your situation so they can't understand the reasoning behind it but you obviously are doing what is best for them. it is hard having children with Sen needs especially mobility and diabetes. I can't comprehend how hard that is to juggle their individual care needs and look after the other children too. Their dad sounds like a waste of space and although he should be living closer and helping, unfortunately there isn't a way to force him to do so and I'm guessing having a man child around will probably just add to the pressure. I'm not sure practically what I can advise but make sure you are claiming all you are entitled too: DLA for each child and also look into grants for disabled children and respite as this may be available in your area. It's tough but they will always know their mum was their for them and did her best and for that they will be so greatful. You reap what your sow. I hope that gives you some comfort. xx

Thank you Minipie and Ilbehonest ❤️ Everything is going pretty well considering the circumstances, I think I just wanted to vent more than anything 🙂