BellaOnline Forums Family Single Parents Do You Miss Your Freedom?

I can't even imagine how hard it must be for single parents, especially if their child has health problems. I saw this video on you tube about this adorable little boy who was born with a severe kidney dysfunction and had to spend the first 15 months of his life on dialysis BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

I'm a single full custody parent of two healthy active girls ages 3 1/2 and 5 yr old. We've been on our own for over 2 years. Their Dad doesn't have visitation. My folks live over an hour away. I have moral support but the actual physical support (dropping kids at grandma's and overnite's at grandma's)isn't there. Caregiving can be a 24/7 job, add employment, household chores and there's not much time left. "self care" for the single working parent is essential. I need adult social interaction and relaxation time with friends. I can't be the best Mommy to my girls if I'm stressed or unhappy. So, I pay babysitters or take a day off from work here or there for "me" time. I then come back relaxed/rejuvenated and enjoy my time with my girls.

That's awesome that you can manage it all. It sounds like you have a really healthy perspective too- and still make the point that if you're stressed out then you're not the best parent you can be. I think a lot of people forget that and think "I don't have time for me," but taking care of yourself and your own well-being and happiness really does make you a better parent I agree.