Struggling with single parenthood (100% residency)

[Peanutbuttermouth]

As title says really. I have full residency of my 2 young dc. Their dad has no interest in seeing them. I ask my family for a lot of help and I hate it. I feel I can only really ask for childcare to cover work and not play because it's already so frequent I don't want to take the piss.

I have friends that I do childcare swaps with but I need it far more than they do so again I end up feeling like I can't keep asking.

I'm currently seeing someone and it almost feels like I have no choice but to introduce him to dc earlier than I'd like because we have no real time together. He was meant to be taking me away for my birthday but my childcare arrangement was cancelled last minute. I work full time and I run on my lunch breaks just to maintain a shred of sanity. I have barely any time to myself, the house is permanently a tip and I'm always behind.

Help me wise ones!

Ignore the pearl clutchers, OP. According to mumsnet, if you introduce your child to a fella before you've known him a decade, you're literally a child abuser.

It's tough on your own. My husband died when my son was five. I get you. If you don't have family support, the next best thing is after school clubs, childcare, babysitting circles etc. How about friends? Or friends' children? My best friend's 16 year old daughter looks after my son sometimes. It works well.

No words of advice but complete sympathy for your situation. My husband worked overseas for six months while I stayed in the Uk with our two children and it nearly drove me insane. The fact that I couldn’t even pop out for milk without packing everyone into the car, make a dentist appointment, meet a friend for a coffee, go for an early morning run made me feel trapped and had no options.
My hat goes off to you, good luck in finding a solution.

Sorry to hear that @opticaldelusion. It's hard work indeed. Thankfully the rewards are big!
I actually just asked a friend's 17 year old if she'd be up for babysitting sometimes. Do you think £5/hr is reasonable for that age? Kids would be in bed already.