Whole weekend is too much time together.

[Lastfreakinglegs]

This sounds awful but I'm a single parent and can't stand my children's company over a whole weekend. They are needy, they bicker and are constantly moving. The only thing that stops them is playing on their computer which they would do all day if I let them. They turn my stomach after a while. I know that sounds awful. I must be a shit mother. They have key worker places at school so I'm lucky I know.

It’s okay I feel the same way. I work full time now and I thought I would enjoy the weekends with them. No sometimes I just want time to myself. It’s so hard being a single parent. I’m sure you’re doing your best

Thanks cocomelon. Glad it's not just me. I feel bad that I'm not giving them my best and I get moody after a while.

I think at the moment it’s hard, I would usually be out seeing friends/family (sharing the load!) or soft play / days out etc.
It’s hard work, go easy on yourself.

Oh & I’m not a single parent but my DH works full days at the weekends so I’m usually alone with the kids! After working full time, I find that difficult. That’s why I want to keep busy but at the moment I can’t! Sick of the same crappy walks

I have a 2 year old and have 3 days with him each weekend (he is in childcare during the week) and I absolutely dread it. I wonder how people enjoy parenting, I can't stand it and I wish for DS to grow up faster.

Don't feel shit, you're doing this on your own and most likely smashing it, despite not feeling like you are.

It's really tough being single parent and these weekends with no outings are long.

Do they do anything together nicely ? I went out to garden earlier to do some work. Mine were able to choose to join me or find something to do. They made a den and didn't kill each other much to my surprise. But that hour or so kept me sane today.

Sadly the rest of the day was like walking in treacle arguing hell.

Do you know what I think it is? I think it’s structure. DS is 4 and I loved having him off school since Christmas. Our school gave loads of activities so I had to draw up a bloody timetable to get through them all, like I used to have a timetable as a teacher. We got on really well and I loved it.

We are in Wales so DS went back to school this week. I was really looking forward to having him home again this weekend, but he’s really irritated me!

I think it’s the juxtaposition between the adult expectation of a free, easy, chilled weekend with no routine or structure as the child reality that it’s just some days in the week.

Next weekend I’m just going to try planning a few activities to do and seeing if it makes a difference.

Same. Lone parent with secondary kids.
We're barely on speaking terms.

You're doing a fantastic job OP!

My DH was working all weekend working to a deadline, so after a whole week of being a SAHM, I get to do the exact same thing all weekend on my own with a 3yo and 2yo. It's hard, especially in lockdown with fuck all to do!

I could of wrote that op, you're not alone

I'm really feeling the suffering of single parenthood too. It's too much for anyone to have someone constantly demanding stuff, wanting food and entertainment. Horrible, awful, trapped, stifling, want to run away feeling.

Thanks for saying I'm doing a good job. I really try my best, but have been pretty short tempered this evening with the eldest one.... Nearly bedtime. 😬 @GettingUntrapped I agree. I'm going to have to try somethibg new. Stifling it the correct word!

Single parent here it’s been so incredibly hard, I’ve been feeling so guilty that my standards for parenting feel like they have dropped as the lockdowns have gone on. Weekends are so tough, normally we would be out and about and seeing family and friends and now it’s just never ending lone parenting. It feels completely exhausting. You’re not alone.

Op, I'm not a single parent but could have written some part of your post. I have had it with my dc arguing today. You're right I wouldn't hear a peep out of them if I left them on the computer all day, well only to ask who's turn it is on the computer!! I have lost it with them today and the constant bickering. You're not alone, mine are in the bath at the moment! I would say 5 mins peace, but one has just got out without washing 🤷‍♀️. Roll on bed time!

Hmm sounds familiar @Tiredmum100 I've had to send my eldest back into the shower before now to actually use shampoo and soap

My eldest really triggers my rage. He upsets his little brother and I don't know how to deal with it.