DD is 18months old and I cannot stay at home anymore.....

[newlysinglemummy]

Being a lone parent with a toddler is hard work, especially when you do not go out much. I have only got one other friend with a baby and all my other friends are at work. So I just feel alone with me and dd all the time.

I think I will start going to baby groups again, but when I went before I never met any friends there. I am in my early 20's and most mums at the groups are alot older.

What do you do if you are not workin?

I want to start a course but childcare is a problem as have not got anyone to look after dd. I am trying to find somewhere with a crech but I know it will be really difficult to settle her in there.

...

I am single. I have a 2 yr old DD - and yes, it's hard, and some times I get close to giving up - but I'm doing a degree.

Living off benefits (housing etc) and my student loan I get by.

My Uni help with child care costs etc.

Go for it, do some thing!!!!!

I really dont know what to study, I am interested in photography but am thinking maybe i should go into teaching so i work work school hours when dd is at school, but I want to do a short course in photography first so that I can see if I would be good at that.

What are you studing?

Im doing an english degree with the plan of doing a PGCE probably going on to primary school teaching. I just decided on English as its a good strong degree subject which could lead on to many things - also interested in photography, I do this more as a hobby and I do weddings/parties etc to earn some money during the summer.

Hi Newlysingle, it's hard isn't it looking after a toddler and trying to fit your own needs around them!
I have day's when i can't remember the last time i saw anybody other than DS or did something i wanted to, but then there are good days as well, so it's all good.

I was 19 when i started going to the local baby group, and was the only one under 30 but i stuck with it and had great fun for 3yrs! Am sad DS is now at school and i can't go anymore . Try going again and see how you get on. There might be new people there who you'll get along with.

How about going out and about with your camera and DD in a pushchair if you enjoy photography? You do mini projects/themes ect and spend time organising them in albums or books. A good way of building your interests and skills until you find a course you could do.

I'm also in the middle of an English degree so i get help with childcare costs, but i know how expensive it can be. DS took a while to settle when he started but TBH he had no choice, he was going and that was that, and as harsh as that sounds, i had to get my life back for my own sanity. And he loved it in no time!

onlywantsones - that sounds great, you sound like you keep yourself nice and busy, I hate doing nothing, I feel very unproductive.

nogginofrum - I know I need to keep trying the baby groups, i was going for definate today, then I saw the weather last night, and thought I'll see how it goes. As soon as the weather is better I will make it my mission to go to some sort of baby group everyday unless we have something better to do.

I am forever putting pictures into photo albums as I take so many pictures.

Also it does not sound harsh saying he had no choice as I completely understand, I'm, sure you ds was much happier because you were happier.

I can't wait to start smething new and move on with my life, the main problem is knowing what to study. I will start looking into it and doing short course so I can try out different subjects.

I too feel like this sometimes. Theres a great website called netmums. The website features a 'meet a mum baord' its a bit like a dating column where you put an ad in or you can reply to ad there. The website is split into differernt regions so you can meet and talk to other mums in your area ive met a few really good friends there.

really? what is it like meeting mums from the internet? I would feel really awarkward I think.