Single mum to an only child

System

I can only comment in regards to you feeling you don't want your child to be an only child

But I'm one of 4 siblings, the younger 3 are 6,9 and 10 years younger than me and honestly whilst i cherished being a big sister and growing up with them, we are not close at all. sometimes I still feel like an only child as quite often they meet up or go home and I'm never invited. As would be the case with your daughter (assuming your ex would not be the father) they are tecnically my half siblings and although I've never seen them that way I do sometimes think perhaps they see me that way.

It's not just me, my bf has an older brother and they basically have nothing to do with one another. Having a sibling does not by any means guarantee they will get along and play happy families.

GlasweJen

going_nowhere_fast wrote: »

That picture makes me feel really happy. I'm trying to talk my LO in to beevers/cubs at the minute.

IME talking them into something isn't the tactic as it makes it a big deal. Just arrange it yourself and take them as if it's the most normal thing in the world. After 3 or 4 weeks ask the organiser how the kids are getting on and then ask the little one if they want to go again.

At 5 they don't really know what rainbows/beavers sort of activities are all about it's not like dance classes or football which basically are what they say on the tin. Expose them to it, give them time to process it and then let them decide once they know what it's all about.

morocha

I am a single parent too and guess one? I have two kids.. One is 8 and the youngest in 2.5. They have an age gap because with my then husband we were not sure we wanted the eldest to be an only child.

My life right now is busy, I get to do it all over again and I love my little one with all my heart but even I know that if I stayed with an only child things would be easier... Especially being alone and having no family around me. It is chaos when one of them is ill and have to miss school/nursery meaning I need to ask for days at work.

Your daughter is very young, I don't even consider mine leaving the house just yet. Enjoy her all you can but also make sure you take time to follow your own interest at some point. Even one evening once s month or two. We need to look after ourselves and build a network support, I have been making an effort to make friends and my next step will be inviting them home. I wish you all the best.

BucksLady

OP, you sound like such a caring and wonderful mum - your little one is so lucky to have you. In the area I live there is a support group for young mums who aren't fortunate enough to have the support (for whatever reason) of a mum. I was wondering whether such a group might exist in your area? Libraries usually have details of clubs/charities in local areas.

GwylimT

I was a single parent for years, I had two further children when he moved out, he didn't at all want any siblings, he might have to share!!!

At five he was doing gymnastics, football and scouts. He didn't really line scouts at first, but then he didn't like school either, he soon got used to both and enjoyed both.

I know have two younger children, hopefully another on the way soon, a cat and a dog. You don't want a full noisy house, trust me! If you want putting off we can swap for a week!

going_nowhere_fast

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

I can only comment in regards to you feeling you don't want your child to be an only child

But I'm one of 4 siblings, the younger 3 are 6,9 and 10 years younger than me and honestly whilst i cherished being a big sister and growing up with them, we are not close at all. sometimes I still feel like an only child as quite often they meet up or go home and I'm never invited. As would be the case with your daughter (assuming your ex would not be the father) they are tecnically my half siblings and although I've never seen them that way I do sometimes think perhaps they see me that way.

It's not just me, my bf has an older brother and they basically have nothing to do with one another. Having a sibling does not by any means guarantee they will get along and play happy families.

I'm so sorry to hear how you are left out. I would love to see more of my siblings but they have such busy lives with their family. Sometimes I think it is their business and financial security that increases my feelings of loneliness.