Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Struggling as single mum to toddler

3 replies

Sjenson21 · 15/08/2021 13:35

I’ve been a single mum to my dd since she was three months old. I have parents who help with childcare during the week but otherwise I’m on my own most weekends when I don’t have plans with friends and their children. A lot of the time friends want to do things childfree which is fine and lucky for them but I don’t have that luxury, my dd needs to come with me. She is generally v good and sleeps well at night and lunchtime nap but I’m really struggling with what to do with her. She won’t go in the buggy anymore which is awful so going to shops or out for coffees is off the cards. I have a dog but it’s too difficult managing them both out at a park so my dog often ends up without a walk some weekends. I’m at the end of my tether because going out is almost impossible. I have a good network of friends but they are all in relationships and can leave their child with partner to go out or are busy doing family stuff as they have two adults to manage their child. I just feel so lonely and trapped at home with no adult conversation most days.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Latinorapida · 15/08/2021 20:04

That sounds tough! Is there a particular reason she’s not into the buggy? My 11 month old doesn’t like the buggy for long, I find hes content for the longest when he’s forward facing but seems to prefer my hip which is getting tough as he’s getting so heavy! I feel like if you can integrate your toddler more into getting to the park or going to a cafe you’ll feel loads better - you’re also way more likely to meet other mum’s/adults.

When I start feeling overwhelmed and depressed I have a shower and go out for breakfast with my son - even if it’s just for an hour. It sort of breaks up the monotony of it all if you see what I mean! X

Lostthetastefordahlias · 16/08/2021 13:47

I have been in this situation with the pushchair with DD when she was a younger toddler and it was awful I felt so trapped, so you have my sympathies, hopefully this phase will be over for you soon! I got a rucksack with a rein that clipped on so she could walk safely a bit. Then with the pushchair I just made it into a routine that we would get in it straight after lunch every day, with a treat if she got in, and tv when we got back if she was good and none if she wasnt. Once it was a routine she got over her resistance but I did use the treat really - I cut out all other sweet stuff for a few weeks beforehand as well. Probably not great parenting but it worked to get us out again.
With the socialising I don’t have the answers, I wish I did!! Is there a class/group you & another friend can take your DCs to and have some chat while they play? Hopefully someone will have a better idea!

Ozanj · 16/08/2021 13:54

You must get tougher. DS hates the buggy but I wrestle him in as needed as I don’t have reliable childcare so needs must. I front face him and got a pram organiser with a touch sensitive clear pocket that I shove my phone into so he can watch cartoons: that keeps him quiet while I get things done.

Sil hates it but considering her kids (my DN) have 3 sets of grandparents falling over themselves to give childcare (including mine) she has never had to deal with the practicalities of taking kids with her to do normal stuff, so I ignore her Grin

I got this -

BTR Buggy Organiser Pram Bag with Waterproof Raincover, Phone Pocket, 2 x Pram Hooks & Cup Holder. Black. Recyclable Packaging

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00WSN4QIO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9CDV474XNAMNWETQQP0F?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

New posts on this thread. Refresh page