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April 11, 2006, 3:11 pm PDT
Single Parenting
Quote From: survivor2 You're right! Non-single parents & people that have never had kids always seem to have all the answers. The problem is that they don't really understand because they haven't been there.
I can share my experience with you & maybe it can help. I am a disabled, single parent with 3 children (my oldest is 3 1/2 yrs older than my twins). Their father was an alcoholic who abandoned us & refused to pay child support. We didn't have a car either (I REALLY understand how hard that is). We rode the bus or walked.
One of the very best things I did for myself & my children was to go to Al-Anon. It seemed so selfish at first, but I found support, understanding & hope. If you can't find a group in your area, they have a website (al-anon.alateen.org). It changed my life. It helped me to find a way to survive, to heal & to grow. It taught me how to figure out my priorities & gave me a balance & security I'd never known. It also helped me to become a better parent. I went back to school, got my GED, & am working on my AA degree. My children are young adults now. Raising them was the most difficult & rewarding thing I've ever done.
Some other ideas that might help 1) a part-time job or two that work around your daughter's schedule 2) cleaning (or some chore) in exchange for your daughter's transportation from a classmates' parent. There are no problems without solutions. It's just a matter of finding a way. Above all, keep hope in your heart because you & your daughter deserve all of the best life has to offer. You will be in my prayers I am also a single parent of 3 children (oldest is 6). I moved out of state away from everyone when my first was 5 months. It took the birth of my third and leaving my husband during the pregnancy to realize that I needed to ask for help. I have found people in my church, daycare and work that are willing to help with transportation, support, child care, etc. I was always embarrassed to ask. But the truth is that many people would like to help if they know you need it. It also has helped my children build relationships and given me some new friends.
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