How do you cope as a separated parent? emotionally and financially

nannon

far2812 wrote: »

It is always harder in the winter - but if you trawl google - type in "free things to do with kids" there is all sorts.

Yeah in the winter it is hard! I will definately google and see. Also.. from another MSE member's advice I went to the local library and picked up some leaflets and scoured the boards for anything.

far2812 wrote: »

Do you take your DS to your home? If so, there's lots of things like making cookies, cakes, biscuits etc. Kids always love painting and drawing.

Do you have any pets?

I live in a houseshare with a very good friend who took me in when I moved back North. She loves having DS round, he stays overnight friday and saturday on my weekends. She also has a very old dog who DS adores looking after. We do try to go to my parents once a month as he is very close to them and they live 70 miles away so he doesn't get the daily input like ex's mum does.

We did do baking this weekend although it was cos it was ex's birthday yesterday. DS wanted to make him a cake.. took moral high ground and resisted urge to lace with Arsenic :whistle: Also DS made a card for him. Actually got a thanks from Ex.. Nearly had heart attack!

Thanks so much everyone. It's helping more than you know.

Lara44

LOL Nannon!

I just wondered if you might use the Up Your Income part of the board to make some extra money on the side for when your DS comes round. Even surveys can add up to £10 or £20 extra and don't take long to do.

Also I find the Grabbit forum great for bargains, there's loads of sales and glitches on toys which you could buy and hold for when you need them. Also the two Freebies boards have a surprising amount of good stuff for no / very little money. I made a special spam email address for all these offers though.

And finally there's a UK days out bit of the board where you could look for special trips. Although it sounds like you have a wonderful time together and that your DS is a very happy little boy.