I'm having a (rare) child free weekend

[brightwell]

Both dc have gone with their dad this weekend, usually one or both choose not to go. I've done the housework & ironing, (the joys of a tidy house & empty ironing basket)I've got a pan of puttanesca sauce bubbling away, I don't usually cook for myself when dc are away. I'm going to open a bottle of wine, have a bath, get into my pj's & settle down in front of the tv for Nicholas Nickelby. Have an early night & a lie in tomorrow. Bliss! It doesn't seem that long ago that I couldn't bear it when dc were away. I was like a cat on a hot tin roof, counting the time down til they came home.For those lone parents in the early stages of lone parenthood...it really does get easier.

ill second that.

When i was first a lone parent i hated it when ex dh had DD. HATED it. Now, just about a year later, i love it. AND im not ashamed to say i love it either

I get lots done round the house, you know the big jobs that would just be almost impossible with a DC about.
I go out, i see friends, i behave irresponsibily. I dont wear a watch or look at the clock the whole time. I eat whatever i want/where ever i want ( malteasers for breakfast in bed ) and i have the most wonderful lie- ins. in bed till lunchtime watching flims.

It is fab.

And then i love it when DD comes home. Shes had a great time, so have i and we are happy to be in each others company.

Me too, I've got a free weekend as well. By the time I got dressed and out the house today, it was 3pm.

A couple of weeks ago I left the house at six o'clock on Saturday evening (the witching hour for parents) and went down the pub with friends to watch the rugby. We went for a curry afterwards, probably 10 years since I last did something like that.

Ironically my social life as a single parent has been better (and DD lives with me) than in all the years my ex and I were together. Also, can't wait to see DD tomorrow afternoon.

Good to read this thread. after six monthes seperation still "unsure" whether to encourage unreluctant dc to go to ex. He wants to see them only for a few hours, they are not used to seeing him alot yet we agreed on one evening overnight and despite it seeming sooo strange and lonely, I suspect i need it to heal, to start getting my life in order etc. Plus theres the point that I've had no real social life for over 15 years, alone in Germany..yes, reading your thread helped me make up my mind to encourage dc to go to him for one night-I will survive!Thanks

megan- thats great. It might be hard to start with. But really it is better all round for you, and for the DC's to have a relationship with their father. ANd trust me, a year ago i would not have been saying that. A year ago hell would have frozen over before i said that.
Now dd has a great time at her dads. Yes, he might parent a bit differently to me. yes i despise the man. BUT he does take her out, draws, paints, makes things with her. cooks her good food and i know she is looked after and is having fun

I too am having much fun. Probably the most fun i have had since before i got married 9 year ago, And i actaully feel like me again. I didnt realise i was missiing. But i was. Its wonderful to have found myself again.