MSE single parents thread

mummy_Jay

With my DS I cook the same for both of us (I've normally only just got in from work so I just don't have time to mess about) but I do make sure it always has something I now he will eat on his plate. He also has to try one mouthful of the other stuff before he's allowed down from the table (some of the face he pulls the first few times are very funny but the whole 10 tastes thing seems to work, after he's had it 10 times no more faces and sometimes eats it all).

My other big tip on vege and fruit, is grow some of your own next spring, don't worry about it being enough to feed the family for weeks, but seeing it grow and being able to have a fresh tomatoe/carrot/rhubbarb can really get them into eating their fruit and vege.

Whilst on food, I have a deal with DS that if he's a good boy when we do the weekly shop he gets his favourite (pizza) for dinner that night between that and getting tasters from the cheese counter I get a reasonably easy shop most of the time.

As for the 'J Kyle' show habit, you'll be amased how when you have something to do you wont miss it. Shows like this are great at filling the gap in adult interaction but once your back at work you'll have adults to talk to so you'll be fine.

HeatherH

Another single mum here. currently have 4yr DS. been on and off single since me and his dad split in 2005. It took me a long time to get over it as I loved him with all my heart, but one day it just clicked and I knew that I couldn't keep living in the past and that I must move forward. I still have to see his dad because of visitation, which can be tough, but in the end I had to be strong and not let it get to me.

If you're going to think, remember to think about what you don't miss about the ex, and not what you do. Being a single parent does have it's advantages, like I don't have a second opinion over my shoulder and I do with my son as I want, not what someone else wants.

It's not fun being stuck in every evening, but a few years back I decided that I was really bored and needed something more. So I decided to do a level 2 course in counselling skills only 3 hours a week. It's now 3 years later and I've just started my 2nd year on a BSc (Hons) Social Studies course, which is still only 2 days a week.

4 years ago I was in a very bad place and feeling 6ft under, now... well I still have my good and bad days, but I know that if his dad hadn't walked out, I wouldn't be doing or have done half the things I've achieved.

Being a single parent is tough and I have big respect to the single mums and dads that have more than one bundle of joy to chase around after. Remember that you get to see your kids grow up, and if the other parent isn't interested, then it's their loss, as there are so many wonderful rewards that only a child can give you. (I love my sons hugs

"So hello to everyone on the thread, my names Heather and I'm a single mum and proud of it!"

Magpie.

Hi, I'm a single mum to a 3 year old for the last year.
It can be hard but it is also very rewarding and the hurt will become less and less.

jansus

well i think on the whole i think we are an upbeat bunch and proud of our achievements and so we should be

Scottiegirl

Cheers to that!!:beer: But I'm gettin a bit worried as I am actually enjoying Hannah Montana and all the other disney programmes!! Anyone else finding themselves enjoying things like this?

jansus

Scottiegirl wrote: »

Cheers to that!!:beer: But I'm gettin a bit worried as I am actually enjoying Hannah Montana and all the other disney programmes!! Anyone else finding themselves enjoying things like this?

i'm quite partial to handy manny and imagination movers

Scottiegirl

Handy Manny's not bad too but caught myself singing "Best of Both Worlds" this morning while doing the housework!! And DD is at school!! LOL!! Can't get the song out of my head now.....anyone else finding themselves singing kids show tunes?:D

lindsaygalaxy

Im going to watch 17 tonight! Think im trying to relive my youth.

Is an iphone a waste of money? even though im broke, im trying to justify *needing* it, like the 3 pieces of clothing I brought yesterday - I mean I need another little black dress (I will get to go out...sometime), and a new pair of skinny jeans (pre-pregnancy ones dont fit) and a new jumper, after all it it winter nearly! To top all of that, I was looking at flights for me and the kids to go away!
Please tell me this is a normal reaction to whats just happened to me, I seem to keep spending money and feel like im losing control, not just with money but everything!

BeenieCat

whitewing wrote: »

-your children can't sleep in with you forever

-you need plenty of rest. It's much harder physically to have to do all the lifting etc by yourself (that especially applies when you let your child fall asleep on the sofa so it's not yet another long evening alone)

OMG have you been spying on me? I've been single since pregnant with DS (6) but have been with someone on and off for 3 years, now pregnant to him but we've split.

I am terrible for letting DS fall asleep on the sofa and then carrying him up to my big empty king size bed and snuggling in with him!

After living alone with DS for so long it was a huge shock to my system to have someone move in with me, i think my lack of experience in living with an adult would have contributed to our split in some ways. He had come out of a marriage and i felt like i was expected to pick up where she left off in doing everything for him, which i totally resented after never having anyone around to make me a poxy cup of tea for 5 years!!!

Now that he's gone i am missing him loads and scared about baby on the way as i promised myself i'd not be single with two kids! But i have to say it's so much easier not having someone else to think about, i can make what i want for tea, i set my own rules without having to "work with" the other adult and their opinions...

Plus there's no playing off the adults by the children who want to be cheeky!!

Scottiegirl

lindsaygalaxy wrote: »

Im going to watch 17 tonight! Think im trying to relive my youth.

Is an iphone a waste of money? even though im broke, im trying to justify *needing* it, like the 3 pieces of clothing I brought yesterday - I mean I need another little black dress (I will get to go out...sometime), and a new pair of skinny jeans (pre-pregnancy ones dont fit) and a new jumper, after all it it winter nearly! To top all of that, I was looking at flights for me and the kids to go away!
Please tell me this is a normal reaction to whats just happened to me, I seem to keep spending money and feel like im losing control, not just with money but everything!

I think it's a natural reaction - I keep doing the same but try setting them as goals or treats. That's what I'm doing!!