Raising a child alone.

Hi AriannesMum
ex-DH and I separated back in mid November so I know what you are going through. I think Gabrielle might be almost the same age as Arianne too. If you want to talk just PM me.

I am lucky enough to be living with my parents but things are still pretty tough. I feel guilty asking them for much help and things sometimes seem pretty relentless day to day. When ex-DH and I were together he never did much with Gabrielle anyway but at least he was there if I needed to pop out to the supermarket or needed to go to the bank etc. Now I have to arrange a baby sitter or take Gabrielle with me. I think most people are willing to help if you ask for it. Lots of people didn't know what to say to me and whether to talk about it or not so they avoided me or didn't say anything. I had to be brave and tell people and then ask for help if I needed it.

Also, I don't know what your situation is but ex-DH and I had to have counselling mediation as we couldn't agree on custody arrangemets. It was free through the family court and we each got a session to talk to the counsellor alone. I found it really good to talk to someone neutral so I organised to go an see an EAP counsellor through work. I don't know if you work but if not and talking to a neutral person sounds like something you might want to do then it might be worth talking to relationship services and seeing if there is any free counselling you could get.

ETA: to improve the grammar and spelling

Edited by Shelt

Hey there

First of all, huge huge hugs to you. Single parenting is a tough road, and to be completely honest its going to almost do you in at times. I left my son's father over a year ago now, and its been a hard slog, but you know what - it gets easier! And better. So much better!

The DPB is a total sh*tter. People who blather on about single mums on the DPB having it easy are talking out of a hole in their backside. Its barely enough to live on. And some weeks it wasn't enough to live on. But don't give up! Get out there and get some work - working for families is a godsend to me, plus there are accommodation supplements, help with childcare costs and study incentives (depending on what you are planning on studying). You may well find, as I have, that this is really the beginning of a fabulous new life.

Feel free to PM me if you need anything at all.