No breaks EVER

[Choosingtochange]

I’m not sure what I want to hear other than other people in my situation that don’t get a break and feel hard done by. I totally get it if you are a single parent as I was one for 10 years. I’m now in a situation where I have no family support whatsoever. One Grandparent is an alcoholic and the other is over 70 and struggling. I get so jealous of people with involved grandparents who can have weekends away and nights off. I know it’s no one else’s responsibility but wow I’d love just one night.

Same for me, single mum with no family support. Two grandpas no longer with us and 2 grannies in care homes. I am so envious of others who have their parents still and can help out with the kids. Seems so unfair.

I hear you OP. It's as hard when you have potential support nearby but they clearly aren't interested at all. My parents are like that but I always knew they would be as they told me, so fair enough I guess. My dad can cope with DD for half an hour then has to go for a walk for a break! MiL was great in the early days but has pulled away now. She does school pick up one day, but I can't see us having a night out together or night away for the reasonably long term future, unless we pay for a babysitter which partner is reluctant to do 🙄

It's hard when you are surrounded by people who get loads or support. Two of my best friends, their mums are unbelievable. School drop offs and pick ups as often as needed, an overnight most weekends. One friends mum has her daughter 5 full days so she doesn't have to pay for childcare. They also get to go on holiday alone too.
Seems like that's the norm rather than exception round my way too! Solidarity.

It's more if we could try and have a couple of days away though

My children are teenagers now and we have never had a couple of days away! We have been away separately with friends but never together. My parents certainly didn’t when we were little either-I’m not sure how realistic an expectation that is, tbh.

Why not try to find a local sitter, introduce them to your DC do they can get to know them and have some evenings out?