Are you a single parent? If you are, how does it make you feel?

Answer 1

I useto be a single parent thats until I got married. You see back when I gave birth to my son, his dad decided to walk out on us a week after he was born. He told me he wasnt ready to take care of our son that it was too much responsibilites for him to handle. It was really hard for me I was just 21 at that time. For a while there I was really angry and hurt because he got to go do what he wanted which was party and lead a normal life... While I was very scared because I was responsible for another human beings life. My son and I went through some hard times, I had to work and my parents were looking after my son while I was working. But it took me a while to get useto to the idea of raising my son alone. But to tell you the truth it was worth it being a single mom. I didnt have to share those looks and quality time I spent with my baby boy, from teaching him to walk and hear his coos made everything worth it... Then my best friend stepped up and asked me to marry him, which I did. Hes a wonderful father to my son and we dont have to go through all those hard times anymore. I can actually say we are happy. My son is now 2 1/2 years old and he loves to be around me and my husband who he sees as his daddy. We have never heard from my ex which I call him my sperm donor ever again.

Answer 2

I used to be. I left my ex when I was 7 months pregnant with my 4th child. It was a nightmare and really hard work, but I muddled through. My mum used to take them for a weekend every month so I could have a break. When my youngest was about 6 months old I met my current partner. He moved in about 18 months later when I became pregnant. Now it's still hard work, but a lot easier. If you are a single parent, I'd advise you to take one day at a time and accept offers of help from your family and friends. There are courses that you can do which help with childcare and doing something like this really helps you to feel more human! It's really tough having nobody to share the load with and even the good times. But they do grow up and things do get easier. And when they're all grown up, you'll be so proud of the fact that you did it all on your own. Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes, I'm a single parent, and I'm perfectly happy with it. For one thing, I don't have to worry about anyone else's parenting style conflicting with my own. Also, I feel that I'm a good role model for my three daughters because I am strong and independent. The times I miss having a spouse are when my kids do great things, like perform in a concert or score a goal in lacrosse, because I have no one to share my pride with. Other than that, being a single parent is just fine.

Answer 4

I can totally relate to many of the previous answers. I love the fact that I am the only one making rules and I don't have to argue or fight with anyone about them. I am extremely proud that I support me and my daughter all on my own. I agree with the person who said it is lonely when your child does something new and exciting, and you have no one else there to see it, but it's better than having someone there and telling them when they couldn't care less about it anyway. (Besides, Grandma loves hearing it! lol) It makes me extremely jealous when I know my ex has not only our child, but also a previous one, yet lives his own life doing what he wants when he wants, with virtually no parental responsibility. I so miss being able to jump in the car and going somewhere, anywhere, at any time. But, it feels good to know I am the one taking care of my child and that I am being responsible. I too get irritated when her father comes to visit, cuz it does interrupt the routine you already have. Especially knowing he doesn't do it for the right reasons, and he's just wasting you and your child's time. I agree with everyone who says it's hard yet extremely rewarding, at the same time. It's a bit empowering knowing what you can handle sometimes, because you simply have no choice. I'm glad I have been the one to see all of my daughter's special moments, and it makes me proud.

Answer 5

My daughter is a single parent, but she wants to live the life of a swinging single. She has no maternal instincts whatsoever.

Answer 6

I am actually married but I would like to make a comment....

My mother raised me as a single parent (my father died of cancer when I was 9). She was both the "mother" & "father" in my life. She constantly took advantage of help & support from family & friends. She did a wonderful job & all of her children turned out wonderful:)

Advice: Just do the best you can do & never, ever feel like you can't ask your family & friends for help & support.

Answer 7

Being a single parent is tough. There are rewards but, the responsibility is greater

Answer 8

My husband and I were divorced when the kids were 4 years old and 11 months old. That's a lot of work. I was totally overwhelmed and extremely tired. I worked a full-time job to support us, but I was lucky my ex-husband paid reliable child support so I could afford to take them to day care. It took a lot of organization to make it work, and I had to tell myself that everything I did was for my children. I didn't date because I felt I owed my children my time. We spent a lot of time doing free things like going to the park, going to the library, having picnics. They were both in sports in elementary school, but I explained to them that each could pick only one because mommy couldn't be everywhere all at once, nor would I try to. We sometimes went to "discount" movies, which they loved. I can remember having a class at work on how to handle stress. At that time I had been divorced for 10 years and I felt I had that subject licked. As a result I was very close to my children and didn't have any serious problems with them. I learned early of the value of a sense of humor (hey, how would you like to be the poster child for birth control?) They thought about that one and were too busy trying to figure it out to get in much trouble. Both got decent (not perfect) grades and I helped them with homework but didn't do it for them. I allowed them to be themselves and taught them how to be an individual and how to handle money. All of this was a lot of work, but I had to tell myself I was doing the best I could under the circumstances. No, everything wasn't perfect, but my children can cope with life and have never had to move back home. After being a single mom for many years I met someone and we later married (no, I was not looking and neither was he). Sometimes things just happen, I guess. Divorce can have a positive effect on your children, so don't go into it with a defeatist attitude. It can be done, but you have to grow up to do it. I'm satisfied I did the best I could.

Answer 9

Yes, currently. And quite frankly when her daddy comes to visit I just get irritated because he seems to mess up our rhythym. I won't lie, its hard financially, emotionally, physically...but sometimes I just feel its easier. I enjoy the rush of knowing that I'm making it on my own. Though I'm lonely most of the time, I wouldn't trade that for the love and companionship I get from my baby.
This may sound contradicting but my loneliest times are when she does something new and I catch myself turning to say look at her, look what she just did and no one is there to share that with. And calling someone just isn't the same.

Answer 10

im a single mom... went through a really bad break up ... its definatly hard being a single parent sometimes i feel angry that my sons father gets to live his life and do what he wants when he wants but everytime i look at my sons face i know im the lucky one b/c im raising this beautiful child =]