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Single mum, North Yorkshire

Frazzled

Hi everyone, I'm mother to one girl, 3 years old.  I'm twenty-six, and I've been a single mum for over two years now.  I'm finding it very lonely.  None of my friends have kids, and though they try to be supportive, they just don't understand.  They also don't live nearby as I moved back near my parents when I split with my daughter's father. Fortunately we've managed to keep things civil for her sake, though it can be tough going at times. 

Posted on: April 7, 2010 - 2:30pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, welcome to OneSpace. Sorry to hear that you're finding things lonely right now. Does your daughter go to playgroup or anything? That is one way to start chatting to other parents, maybe even single ones who would know what you are going through. As you've moved back to be nearer your parents, I'm assuming that you have their support? It's great that you and your ex are civil for the little girls sake.

There are lots of people, who I'm sure will be along later to give you support etc. I have been on my own since pregnancy, and have a wonderful 7 year old, (though sometimes he can be a handful)!!!

I look forward to chatting, keep posting.

Take care

Alison

x

Posted on: April 7, 2010 - 3:16pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, welcome from me too, I am one of the board moderators along with Louise.

I love your name, it reminds me of when my daughter was 3! I also remember the loneliness, I bet you have spent the last 2 years recuperating from the break down of your relationship, moving to be near your parents all whilst trying to keep a sense of normality for your daughter.

You are on your own now and it is quite a wake up call.  So alisoncam  made a good suggestion - toddler groups do you go to any? Have a look on our Local Support and Events and see if there is anything going on near you.  It doesn't really matter what you do at the moment, its about getting out of the house and meeting like-minded people.  All in good time you will make new friends and create your own support network. 

Its good to hear that you manage to keep a civil relationship with your ex, it would be great to hear some pointers on how you did this! Does he live close by?

Posted on: April 7, 2010 - 4:47pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled

Glad you've found the board and look forward to 'chatting'.

Posted on: April 8, 2010 - 2:25pm
Frazzled

We did go to a couple of toddler groups, but now that my daughter's 3 she goes to nursery. I'm hoping that I'll get to know some of the other parents there, but I've always found it difficult getting to know people as I'm painfully shy. Fortunately my daughter doesn't have the same problem. She's so outgoing, and I've been told by her teachers that she gets along with everyone.

I do find I come across a lot of prejudice as a single mother, especially as I don't work yet. Though this doesn't bother me so much now, it used to really upset me. Fortunately my parents are very supportive, and help me out as and when they can. And my daughter's father lives nearby, so she sees him regularly.

It's great to have found somewhere where I can chat to other single parents though. I'm not sure I can give any tips on how to keep things civil with the ex though. In our case it's more to do with having the patience of a saint. And I do consider myself very lucky that we still get along well enough despite everything. Things were initially far from civil when we split two years ago, but we've managed to find a way to get along, for our daughter's sake.

Posted on: April 9, 2010 - 10:22pm
stuart
DoppleMe

Hello frazzled

Like to say hello my name is stuart an i am a single parent of three, just like to welcome u to the group an u will meet many helpful an supportive people here .

Take car e enjoy ure weekend

stuart

Posted on: April 9, 2010 - 11:32pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled if you feel shy then it is understandable that it is going to be hard to meet new people, now that sunnier times are here, I wonder if you could invite one of the mums to a park nearby, the children can then play and you could chat.  Perhaps ask your daughter who she would like to play in the park with and the girls may take it from there!

We have talked a lot about prejudice as a single parent on these boards and I think we have all felt it at some time or another, however we have come to the conclusion, that just maybe, we have been looking for it.  If we are feeling down on ourself, we expect everyone else to be thinking that of us. It is very probably not true.

You have just got your daughter into nursery, give yourself a break.  Your life will come together slowly but surely, in 5 years time, (trust me, it will pass in a flash) you will look back at now and realise that you were at the beginning of your journey.  This is your time now, to discover who you are as an adult woman, a mother and someone who is in control of their own destiny.

Its great that you and your daughters father have found a way for you to get along, big clap on the back for that.  Not many couples do :)

Posted on: April 10, 2010 - 10:35am
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, I know what you mean about being shy. I'm like that too, but after a few weeks of my son (7) being at Nursery, I was soon chatting to other Mums. I'm absolutely sure the same thing will happen to you. I used to feel very lonely, but it seems my place has always someone in it!!! Now I don't moan about being lonely, I moan about the mess!! Haha.  If you think people are looking down at you because you're a single parent, then they are the ones with the problem, not you. I often get comments about what I buy for my son, (which to be honest isn't much), one neighbour always tells me he doesn't need it, and yet her grandchildren have absolutely everything, and there isnt much of an age gap!!!

I hope you're having a great weekend, and enjoying this brilliant weather.

Take care

Alison

x

Posted on: April 10, 2010 - 11:36am
Frazzled

Time really is flying.  I can't believe 3 years have passed for us already!  Though people always think my daughter's older than she is, because she's tall for her age. 

I agree about it being other people with the problem, when they judge me for being a single mum or for not working.  Or both!  After all, why should I pay someone else to bring up my child for me? 

We're enjoying the weather up here.  We're fortunate enough to live just round the corner from the local park, so we spent most of the afternoon there.  Though we also live at the seaside, so it could be the beach tomorrow.  My daughter had loads of fun last summer building sandcastles and paddling in the sea, and I think she's looking forward to doing so again.  Hope you're all enjoying the weather too.

Posted on: April 10, 2010 - 9:19pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, thats fantastic that you have everything on the doorstep. If you get to the beach today, have a wonderful time.

Take care

Alison

x

Posted on: April 11, 2010 - 7:44am
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello frazzled and everyone

You all sound as if you are enjoying the holidays. The better weather helps soooo much.

I used to live at the seaside as well, frazzled. I used to resent the day trippers invading us whenever the sun shone, but then I am a right Victor Meldrew!

I know what you mean about feeling looked down on. One thing that might help is to know that approximately one in four children is in a lone parent family these days so it is not such a minority any more. It's a great time of year to make some new friends, as Anna says, so good luck with that amd let us know about your beach trip

Posted on: April 11, 2010 - 8:54am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, how lovely to have the beach close by.  When i took my daughter to the beach, when she was younger my mum was amazed how happy she was - ALL day!  I think it has something to do with sand play and water play on an epic scale, it must feel wonderful, a giant playground just for them!

 

Have a lovely day, whatever you do!

Posted on: April 11, 2010 - 9:47am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Glad you're enjoying the holidays Farazzled.  I live on Anglesey.  I'm afraid I'm one of those who don't like to be invaded either!! 

The weather is fabulous, isn't it?

Posted on: April 11, 2010 - 11:00am
Frazzled

The beach was a little crowded, but my daughter had the time of her life down there.  She's going through a digging phase it seems.  She also tried her hand at digging up weeds in her grandparents' garden.  We're hoping she will be very helpful this summer, like she was last year, but she always has loved being outdoors doing things.  I hope that doesn't change too soon!  Her cousins prefer to just sit in watching TV or playing computer games.

Posted on: April 12, 2010 - 4:29pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, keep her doing outdoor things and although in the future she will probably be into computers, TV and ipods, she will still have the thrill for the outdoors. 

My mum used to do the gardening with my daughter when she was small, she knows more than me about it now, to her planting and the life of plants is all common sense, whereas to me I just seem to kill them by overwatering or dehydrating them!

Living so close to the beach, I hope that her love for the outdoors will never cease! Are there any beach activites that go on over the summer?

Posted on: April 12, 2010 - 5:21pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi Frazzled, really glad you all enjoyed the beach. My son has always loved the garden, and enjoys digging, with spades or hands!! At the weekend, he dug a big hole, and he and his cousin filled it with water and had a mud bath. He is 7, and she is 7 at the end of the month!!! He also likes the tv, ps2, ds etc, so I'm sure your daughter will continue to love the outdoors as she grows.

The weather has turned chilly here, how about where you are?

Have a good evening

Take care

Alison

x

Posted on: April 12, 2010 - 9:06pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

I think it is lovely when they spend time outdoors. Sometimes I think that our children don't get enough of this. Outdoor things can help them use their imaginations as well, whereas I do wonder if computers and Playstations sort of do the imagining for them.

I am not very good with plants either, Anna. My son won a small planted cutting in the tombola at the local gala. It looked as if it was not rooted at all but he looked after it and it has grown apace. We now have it in a posh plantpot on the kitchen windowsill.

Frazzled the beach was crowded? I suppose everyone is so relieved to see some sunshine at last. What have you got planned for the rest of the week?

Posted on: April 13, 2010 - 7:36am
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

My sister tuts when I tell her not to pull up something in the garden. She replies, 'but it's a weed'. If it looks similar to a flower, all pretty like, then I leave it, more colour in the garden i say. When my Mum was ill and couldn't get in the garden, I used to have to take a cutting of something, just so she could tell me if it was a weed or flower!! In my garden now, I know exactly which is which as I've planted all the flowers, so this is easy peasy!!!

Posted on: April 13, 2010 - 9:09am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Ahha, very clever alisoncam! :)

Posted on: April 13, 2010 - 5:04pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

I have my moments :) Not many, but some :(

Posted on: April 14, 2010 - 3:58pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hey alisoncam no deprecating comments on here please! Repeat after me....

"I love and approve of myself and I am in control of my life. I am a very capable person and have a lot to offer this world"

Posted on: April 14, 2010 - 4:36pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hear, hear from me! I wish I had green fingers like you, alisoncam...

Posted on: April 15, 2010 - 11:26am
Frazzled

I'm not so good with plants either, though my daughter and I are trying our hand at growing some pansies.  So far they're doing ok, but I do wonder how long they'll last.  Hopefully they'll reach the flowering stage.

Posted on: April 16, 2010 - 8:05pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

They can be really cheery flowers, Frazzled. My friend came round the other day and she brought me some little pansies in a pot and she said they were called "Smilers". I have never heard of this before but I thought it was a lovely name for them.

What are you up to this sunny day, Frazzled?

Posted on: April 17, 2010 - 8:28am
laurna

hi i'm 24 n a single mum of 2 i was in a relationship with a man who was so right 4 me but i've messed it up n now i've lost him n don't know what to do please if any1 can help.

this is the story of what's happen since xmas n how my world which i thought 4 once was going right is now such a mess.

i fell out with my ex parents sis n live just started to change from that point on i wish i never fall out with her it's all my fault the whole thing is. i was brought up by my parents think a gift is a gift a present is a present u don't tell people what u want u just greatfull u got something . but my ex's sis would aways call n tell me n my ex what we should get 4 her bday n her kids n the same 4 xmas but this time when it was her daughters bday their was something i wanted to get her daught who called me auntie i thought it would be ok i called told her what i wanted to get n it seemed as though it would be ok well. a few days later we were talking on the phone n she said she couldn't wait 4 me n my ex to have a kid as we were trying 4 1 n we were going get married well on the phone she said i really can't wit 4 a real nice or nephew which i didn't like as i already have to kids so i said what do u mean n we had words but she said sorry 4 the way she said it n i 4gave her. when it come to her daughters party my kids where the only ones who didn't get brought a meal so i want n got them on the same thing happened at ice cream time n when the cake was cut mine where left out again i didn't say anything but to M my ex. later that night i was putting the kids in the car with M n me was going walk home with his sis n some of the other adults well they left him to walk in the dark n snow on his own.
since that happen we hadn't heard of her 4 a few months n me n M got on great we were all a happy family with my 2. then his sis would call wanting stuff n asking why M hadn't been down hers much.
she called when it come close to her bday n her son's wonting to tell us what to get but me n M didn't have much money at the time so i got her stuff i thought she would like n a card off us all as a family n took it down. (ya thinking way didn't M well he was at work i had gone shopping near hers with my dad n he siad he would take me 2 drop it off to save me n M a job as we don't drive). i told M be 4 we drop her gife off n he said that was ok 2 do.
a week later it was my son's bday i was in all day my parents had come aaround but not one member of his family had called or dropped off a card nothing this was the same 4 mine n my daughters bday.
well the next day i got a tx off his sis me n M were not happy so we called to find out what was going on it ended up in a big shoutting do n M ended up passed out downstair i told his family what happen not 1 member of his family called to see if he was ok not 1. since then things haven't been good between us we kept on fighting n one day  it got really bad n i hit him n kicked him out i know the wrong thing to do n i shouldn't of i said sorry to him the next day but he had turned his phone's off so he got the tx a few day's later well i did something stupid n had to go the hospital at the hospital they asked if i could be preg n i said yes as i was late even M know i was they did a test n i was preg so i couldn't have some stuff done at the hospital .
a few days later when he turned his phone on i told him what we had both thought that i was preg we meet up the next day n talked it was clear we both still loved each other n i said i was sorry to him 4 everything again. we then spent the next few dys talking n he had been stopping mine on the wednesday night i was have pains i know somthing was wrong thursday morning he made me call the doctors in front of him. he want work n i want the doc's by this time i had started bleeding n was still in lost of pain the said it was the sart of a miscarge 2 go home if it got any worse i should go the hospital i tx M n told him.
i was feeling so s*** n i was going over everything that had been going on n beatting myself up thinking it was all my fault when i got a tx off M say he was coming home when he come home i'd worked myself up so much i told M to give me some space n go i didn't mean it i took it back straight away but he had already called his sis n she was on her way to pick him up we need up shouting i thought M would understand i didn't mean it do he said it was my fault he was going as i told him to so he left me with my kids not knowing where me was going in the mess i was in. i couldn't believe it so i trid calling him txing him to say sorry but he had turned his phone off.
the night with me working myself up so much i had to call a friend who i had talked to 4 a while to come as i was in so much pain i didn't know what to do my friend had my kid n i went in hospital they did some test n my blood pressure had hit the roof the asked if i had passed any clots i said no so they did an internal exam on me n said everything was fine i was still preg so i tried to tx n called M to keep him up dated but his phone was off i stayed in 4 the next day i was still bleeding but not as much they said they would send me 4 a scan on monday but as i was still upset n wanted to make sure the baby was ok i spoke to one of the hospital staff n they got me a scan 4 that day to carm me down i want 4 the scan n the baby was ok i was 7 weeks 4 days i sent a pic of the scan to M but his phone was still off n i really wanted him to know i was ok n thebaby as the last time i spoke to him he thought i was having a miscrage, so i picked up the phone n called his sis it didn't go down so well she was mad at me saying i had messed M around the i lost my signal so i called back n his mum answered n we talk i said all i want is 4 M to know what had happen then his sis wanted to talk to me i told them what ward i was in n when visting was.
later i was told i could go home so i called my friend to pick me up as i was waiting i got a tx off M asking where i was i said waiting 4 my friend to pick me up the next tx i got was them saying that him i his sis would pick me up but by this time my friend had come n we were just gettin some fuel then going get the kids who were having tea. they said they were at mine n wanted to know where i was. i replyed say's at my friend th kids were having their tea (well they were nearly finshed) n i was coming home as i was teird n just wonted to go bed. matt replyed saying the were staying at mine in the car outside till i come home but my friends had talked me into stopped th night. so i replyed say i was stopping the night at my friend n could we talk 2mo. they also said that when they were at the hospital they had ask if i was their n what ward the hospital said i hadn't been their when i had i asked if M had splet my name to them he said yes but nothing had come up on the computer. by this point i had got the kids in my friends car to come home to talk to matt n his sis n i had tx them saying i was coming back. they sent one saying they were going when i got home they weren't their so i called M we needed up shouting at each other he said he needed space time to think as though he has been throw so musch i said come back so we could talk he said no that his sis was going to take him home that i had made the whole thing up i said how could i sent u a pic of the scan he said i could have got that off the net, then he said my story had kept on changing. i asked him if he loved me he said he didn't know with everything he had been throw i said what about the baby he said he'd be their 4 it but he never said if he would 4 my kids which look at him as their dad. i said do u want out of this relationship n he said yes maybe he did want out.
we ended the call with him saying he would call the next day which is 2day n i wasn't to tx or call b4 he got intouch with me which i hated so did my mate's he wouldn't even talk to them as they were going tell him that i had been at th hospital i even offered to do a test infront of him but he said it all could be facked n he wasn't going believe me till he saw the baby on the next scan n he was there.
iv'e been waiting all day n his phone is off i've tx his sis say sorry i had missed her last night n sorry we had ever fallen out n thank u 4 talking 2 M, butt ive had no reply.
what should i do i don't want to be a single mum again not of 3 i don't think i could cope i think i would end up having an abortion.
plz help i don't know what to do i have no 1 else to talk to but my 2 friends who had the kids  

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 3:47pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi

I'm sorry that you're facing this. 

This is from my view point.

I feel that M must be feeling so confused.  You hit him, you kick him out and then you tell him you love him and want him back...  And expect him to know that you don't mean what you're saying.

Again, from my view point, you need to give him some space.  While I can appreciate that you've had a right roller coaster to face with facing a miscarriage, he is having to deal with his own roller coaster too.

Unfortunately, as he has his mum and sister siding with him, it could make the whole situation harder to sort out.

Personally, I feel that you need to calm down, and you need to be resting as much as you can, keeping your feet up.  I can well imagine your distress, but the way you're dealing with it seems to be making things worse rather than calming things down.

For now, you need to be focusing on your two children too.  Give everyone some time and space.  Being 7 weeks pregnant, you do have time for things to be sorted.

Do you have a problem with anger?  Have you hit him before?  If this isn't a 'one off', could it be something that you need help with?

Have you thought of speaking to your GP or practice nurse?  They may be able to offer some support too.

Please do keep posting. There are brilliant people on this board.

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 4:16pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi Laurna, welcome to One Space. Sorry that you're having such a bad time of it lately, but I completely agree with Sparkling. Your boyfriend and you I think need a cooling off period. He has asked that you don't text him, and that he would get in touch with you. I know you are emotional right now, but you say that you have texted him today. I think this might anger him a little, as he told you his wishes. I understand that you love him, and that you're sorry, but I would leave him alone for a while, and wait until he does contact you. Aside from him, you have a lot to consider too. You said you don't think you could be a single Mum to 3? That is something you need to think seriously about. Speak to your GP or something. As for his sister, I wouldn't personally worry about that right now. For now, I would say that you need to look after your two children and yourself. This must be a hard time for them too, very confusing etc. How old are they?

Keep posting, and let us know how you're doing.

take care

Alison

x

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 5:06pm
laurna

it was a one off me hitting him i'm not a person who would just hit someone 4 no reason. the reason i hit him was he want to hit me n i just hit by putting my hand up to stop him n i caught him on the face. it was the 1st time in my life i've ever hit anyone n he know's that.it's not like i punched him or meant to do it i was only stopping him.

i know he needs space that's why i'm giving it him.

but what type of men leave me to deal with this on my own?????????

u would think he would want to see if i'm ok n if i needed any help. wouldn't u???????????

his mum has called to see if i'm ok but she can't get y M is been funny with me after everything i've done 4 him in the past. n he's even not talking to her to. she's just worried about he coping on my own with th kids n she's so happy it's not a miscarrige n just some bleeding due to my health problems when i had my last kid n nearly died

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 5:18pm
laurna

my kids r 4 n 3 n they look at him as dad figure as he's been their most of their lifes.

i just wont to know where is stand we started this together now i'm just dealing on my own. what do i do if he never cools down 2 talk to me????????

how could he love me n just go knowing what was going on? will he ever 4give me? n how do i explain to the kids what's going on?

my friends think no matter what if done he should of at least called to see if i'm ok.

i'm trying to rest n just wait 4 him to talk to me when he's ready but its not easy as we've never been apart in 2years till now

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 5:31pm
hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi laurna, I'm sure given a bit of time, he will cool off, and when he is ready, he will contact. In the meantime, as hard as it is, you just have to wait, and carry on with your little ones. For the moment, maybe as the children are still so young, perhaps you could tell them that their 'dad' has gone away for a little while. Keep reassuring them that both you and he love them. Keep them in a routine, as this is what they need too. I know it's extremely hard on you, but until you know for sure what is going to happen between you and your boyfriend, keep explanations very simple for them.

This part of the post was copied from duplicate on another topic, that has now been deleted because of the duplication (Anna, One Space moderator) You say, he went to hit you? Has he ever done this before? Even if it was the first time, there is no excuse for it. I won't preach to you about anything, as I was in a violent relationship, and stayed because 'i loved him'. It took me a long time to finally finish things. If it isn't the first time, then take this time that you're apart to think things through. Small children pick up on things too, even if you think they are in another room etc. Has he texted you today?

Keep posting Laurna, and take care

Alison

x

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 7:14pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I have come to the conclusion that I'm a bad judge of character when it comes to me and men...

I am so glad his mum has been in touch.

Sometimes it can be a shock to the father to find that their partner is pregnant, and it can take a while to sink in.  It depends then on how he is with things when he does get in touch.

I'm sure he just needs to get thoughts straight in his head.  While its ok for me to say that, I know this is totally unfair on you...

Loads of hugs - even if they are virtual. 

All of this is so easy for me to type, I know, but some parts I do understand...

Posted on: April 18, 2010 - 7:26pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello laurna

 

It must be a terrible worry to you. It is early days yet so try not to panic. If he finds it difficult to believe what is going on, it will take some time for you to sort this out together. Just wait for the dust to settle and I am sure he will get in touch and you can sort it out together.

 

A couple of suggestions: if you are finding it hard having no-one to talk to, then phone the Samaritans on 08457 909090

 

Also, further down the line if you do not think that you will be able to sort things out with your boyfriend and you would like some pregnancy counselling, you can talk to Care Confidential on 0800 0282228.

 

Also we are all here to talk to!

 

Try to take it easy and don't get too stressed

Posted on: April 19, 2010 - 10:05am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi laurna

This all sounds really stressful and I am in agreement with the others. Easier said than done, but right now you need to focus on you and your children.

As others have said it does sound that he is confused and needs some time.  I agree that it would be nice for him to contact you and see how you are doing, however he hasn't and you need to deal with it rather than dwell on it.

I thik it would be a brilliant idea to visit the doctors/womens clinic and discuss your concerns about continuing with the pregnancy. It doesn't mean you instantly have to have a termination, however it might help you think and feel more clearly.

I completely understand your thinking and it sounds like you have your head screwed on as you are considering the extra responsibility and the efect on you emotionally. 

Remember as you are pregnant your hormones are all over the place, so give yourself a bit of a break. Some people find writing a letter to the person they need to speak to, helpful?

Have you heard from him yet?  How are you feeling about things today?  Are you still pulling your hair out?!

Posted on: April 21, 2010 - 5:36pm