New to being a single mum - please give your tips and tell me it gets easier.

[Lokilocks]

I'm usually a lurker on MN only chipping in the odd time but thought I'd turn to those who know best.

My OH and I separated at the start of January. We have a one and a half year old and so far the separation has been mostly amicable. I realise I'm lucky it's amicable and I'm still working part-time with the help of two family members and nursery two half days a week but I just feel like I can't get on top of anything.

I'm trying to keep on top of cooking, cleaning, shopping and bills but I'm always completely exhausted and before I know it everything's piling up again. I have no idea where to start with money where tax credits etc are concerned and am in a near constant state of stress.

I don't have many friends so feel like I've nobody to talk to about how hard I'm finding it. When DS is with his dad at the weekend I get so lonely and depressed. I feel like I've lost my best friend (OH), even though things weren't working.

Does anyone have any advice on how to stay on top of everything? Were you able to continue working? What can I do to just make life easier and less stressful for me and my son?

Make sure you have a pot of loose change too for things like last minute school things or, dress down days or for the tooth fairy etc.

oh, set up a Government Gateway account for tax credits once you've applied. You'll be able to log on and see your payment dates and amounts. You should also be able to change things your details as well (I can't access mine at present, but believe you can change job, income, childcare costs, etc).
Saves a phone call if you've only got a small thing to change.