I am a single mom and have raised my daughter alone for the last 11 years.she is a senior in high school and will be leaving off to college next fall. All these years my life was pretty much whatever she was doing , she has always been active in band and all types of other groups in school so i was always there cheering and encouraging her. I just wonder how do parents cope with this. I would never hold her back or even tell her of the anxiety I am feeling , so i thought I would get advice from parents or single parents of how they handled their situations.
2007-12-27 03:08:07 · 22 answers · asked by Trish L 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
maybe it's time to do what u wanted to for a very long time. take a vacation, or like One tree hill where the mother gets her culinary certificate in Paris after her boy is all grown up
2007-12-27 03:12:06 · answer #1 · answered by sammy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are other parents in your situation, and plenty of them. Try talking to some of your daughter's friends' parents, and you'll probably receive support if not friendship.
As for how to keep busy, try classes of some sort. Yoga is stress relieving, tennis gets you plenty of exercise, or maybe something like swimming is more your style.
Just remember, this does not mean at all that your daughter is out of your life. She'll need you now as much as ever to stay involved so that she knows you are still there for her while she is away. However, you don't want to go overboard with this - any more than a phone call per day might be considered intrusive.
Good luck and congratulations to your daughter!
2007-12-27 03:13:05 · answer #2 · answered by Rettie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a single mom also (but my oldest (twins) are almost 11).
I'm dreading the day that they leave for college....I can just see them going off to different parts of the country....how am I supposed to see them both off & help get both of them settled in???? I will still have the younger two...but when they are off to college also, I think I'll be lost.
Find some good friends to lean on.....
and remember, you can always call your daughter...
2007-12-27 05:06:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a week's vacation by yourself immediately after she goes away. Get to know yourself again. Try to remember all of the things that you've always wanted to do in your life, but couldn't because of your parenting responsibilities. Then, when you come back from the vacation, get out there & start living.
2007-12-27 04:34:23 · answer #4 · answered by Maureen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not a easy task thats for sure. You are essentially relinquishing a child into the world of adults. Its gonna hurt no matter what. Be prepared for that and start thinking about those dreams you have never allowed yourself to dream. Those hobbies you couldn't find the money for and those new friends who are on the horizon.
You have a done a fantastic and difficult thing, and you sound as if you are a very strong and courageous woman. Keep that courage and strength and take it into the beginning of your new life.
You might be interested in some of the community service links below. Sounds as they might be just what you need.
2007-12-27 03:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well there are some things you to look forward to. You will be traveling to visit her. You will have some time to be with romantic partners. You can work on that area. If you think about ways to improve your own life, when you do you will be a better mom to your daughter. You could go to school, get a another job, take up yoga or painting. Maybe get involved in your community. I would be happy to take you out to dinner next fall when she is gone.
2007-12-27 03:14:53 · answer #6 · answered by hoobadooba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is graduating college next year also. She will attend a Jr. College in our hometown first, then transfer to a four year University.
I actually tried to pursuade her to leave town and attend an Art College, or Christian University next year. I don't eant her to stay home and never leave. She is young, intelligent, beautiful and a mama's girl. She needs to get out and spread her wings. I will continue to encourage her to have confidence to do so.
DO NOT tell your daughter of your anxieties. It's not her responsibility to elevate your comfort level so you are fine with her decision to pursue a higher education elsewhere.
See if there is a single parent support group in your area. Join a church if you have not already and believe in the Lord. Take a couple of classes at a community college. Be supportive and try to be genuinely happy for her!
2007-12-27 03:19:18 · answer #7 · answered by The Evolution of T. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sent 4 off to college. It means I had done one of the things that meant the most to me in life. Raised children to be adults.Being thus content with my self. I opened a small shop.
(Just wait untill they graduate!!!)
2007-12-27 03:18:51 · answer #8 · answered by nutsfornouveau 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well i will tell you what my mom did. My mom and I were/are really close so i know there was a void when i went off to school even though i had a little brother. He is very close to my dad and spent alot of time with him. She got invovled in other things to fill her time. She was a teacher at the time and then she became active in the union. Joined clubs started going to dance classes and other things.
2007-12-27 05:08:13 · answer #9 · answered by Big Daddy R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you celebrate that your work has paid off and your devotion has raised a child that is now a young adult and ready for college and her own life. Now you turn your attention to yourself. prepare for your retirement, join clubs, meet people and begin socializing and if you want start dating again.
2007-12-27 03:12:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋