Introduce yourself!

Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi dexter13

Welcome to our parenting site! I hope that you enjoy it! We are here to support you with any questions you may have or just to listen (read!!) Some people have found this is a great place to have a jolly good moan as well, as we are all single parents, we understand! We are not likely to end our friendship or think that you really need to sort your life out etc etc! We get it! And sometimes it is really refreshing to let it all hang out, get things off your chest and share your deepest worries, only to find that actually everything IS OK!

So please join in with any conversations, start your own or suppport others, we look forward to getting to know you :)

Posted on: March 25, 2009 - 11:09am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

dexter13 wrote:
Hi my name is Sandi, I have 2 teenage children, we have recently moved so I am still learning about my area and this is the first time I have joined a parent site.

Hi Sandi

I have four children - 17, 15, 13 (he has special needs) and 10. Three boys, and my 15 year old is a girl - but very much a tomboy! (I'm waiting for her to ask me to buy her a skirt!).

Posted on: March 25, 2009 - 11:44am
vicky_3

hi im vicky single mum of 3 girls aged 6, 5 and 3 and i have been single for 4 years. sounds strange i know but its a long story. xx

Posted on: March 28, 2009 - 12:17am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi Vicki

It doesn't sound strange to me... So long as you and your girls are doing ok.

Posted on: March 29, 2009 - 12:08am
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello Vicky and welcome to the boards, hope you find some good online friendship and support

Louise :)

Posted on: March 29, 2009 - 1:22pm
p_louisa

Hi my name is p_louisa, I have a newborn baby boy called Jacob who is 12 days old today... I haven't been a lone parent for a long time but would like to chat with other lone parent and swap stories and advice etc... Thanks :P

Posted on: April 5, 2009 - 9:26am
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi p_louisa and MANY CONGRATS on the birth of your new baby! I hope you find the support you are looking for here, look forward to chatting! :)

Posted on: April 5, 2009 - 10:04am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

p_louisa wrote:
Hi my name is p_louisa, I have a newborn baby boy called Jacob who is 12 days old today... I haven't been a lone parent for a long time but would like to chat with other lone parent and swap stories and advice etc... Thanks :P

Hi

Congratulations on the birth of your son!

Looking forward to getting to 'know' you.

Posted on: April 6, 2009 - 9:18am
Digby

Hi, i'm Carol, very recently separated, so very new to all this. I have an 8 yr old son, and am 50 yrs old :roll: I also have 3 adult son, all long flown the nest and all live a long way from me.
I am just looking for a bit of support at the moment as i have no family close by and not sure how this single mum thing works.

Posted on: April 6, 2009 - 6:19pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Digby

Love the name! It reminds me of you know who - woof! Wow parenting second time round and on your own, you like a challenge! Well one challenge that you will find easier hopefully is that you have had sons before and although they are all individual there won't be a gender culture shock!

You say that you are recently separated, I imagine that has been really difficult for you as I am presuming you never expected to do the family thing a second time round let alone on your own.

Times might seem hard now, but I promise you life does get easier. Being a single mum means you don't have to rely on anyone, you are free to make whatever choices/mistakes you wish! You can be you again with no compromise. There are hard times, but I wouldn't change it for the world, it is a very privileged position.

How is your son dealing with your separation?

Posted on: April 7, 2009 - 10:27am
Digby

We separarted just 10 days ago, it had been a long time coming, but i finally got the courage to end it. There were no big dramas or anything, just two very different people, and i found i just no longer wanted to be with a man i have no respect for.

But second time round is hard, though i have there before in my previous marriage, i was married 22 years then and it came as huge shock. But life goes on, and no i never expected to be doing this again with a young child. Luckily the first time my 3 boys were all grown up, but this time with an 8 yr old it is harder. :?

I am luckily that so far my son seems unaffected by it all and is taking it in his stride. Because he has spent most of his time with me, my husband having very little to do with outside activities or even playing with his son [ another bone of contention ], my son hasn't really found things to be much differnt to what they were. He is a very secure little boy in his own life and having no major rows or anything here, he hasn't witnessed anything nasty. I have asked him how he feels about daddy being in a different house and he just said it is great!!

Since the split my husband has actually spent more time with our son than he has done in the last few years, and making plans for what they will do together. We shall see how long that lasts!

I am finding life a little hard at the moment, not sure whaich way to turn or even if i am entitled to anything. I called the CAB but they weren't much help.
Hopefully once i work out how to use this site, i will find out more info :D

Posted on: April 7, 2009 - 11:48am
mac

Hi all, am Mac 30 years old. Single mam to two beautiful boys.My youngest has Special Needs.
I've been single for over four years, after finding out my EX was cheating.

I have gotten used to doing things alone, so am not bothered about being single, seems my family and friends are more bothered abut it than I am :lol: :lol: .

I hope to catch ya all around the site
x

Posted on: April 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
skiblah

Hi All

I'm Stu 38 years old and new to the site

I'm a single dad of two wonderful boys ages 9 and 12 years.I have been a single parent now for just over a year.
I still manage to work full time and just about find the balance between bringing up the boys which is my 1st priority and work life..
This i manage with help from family..

:D :D

Posted on: April 11, 2009 - 8:55pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi skiblah

Welcome to One Space, great to see another Dad! Interesting to have a dads insight into raising boys your age. I look forward to hearing some of your stories!

Great to hear you have family support but I bet life is still tough juggling, work, kids and parenting alone :?:

Are you having a good Easter??

Posted on: April 12, 2009 - 8:34pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello to all new members and welcome to the boards!

Digby, just to say that it is very early days for you and you might be going through a real rollercoaster of emotions...this is truly understandable and not surprising after such a big life change. Be kind to yourself and let us know how you get on ;)

Louise

Posted on: April 13, 2009 - 3:54pm
mac

Hi to the fellow newbies lol ;)

Posted on: April 13, 2009 - 6:02pm
xhomedad

Hi, I'm Andy, 43, I have shared custody of my wonderful 5 1/2yr old little girl. I'm divorced and my x got together immediately we announced separation, with a 'mate' of mine of over 20 years, got pregnant by him last September and moved him into our x-marital home after Xmas. He was an usher at our wedding and godfather to our child...

Anyone here in a similar situation?

Posted on: April 15, 2009 - 9:15pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Andy and welcome. Gosh that sounds like a double whammy (or even a triple!) I am glad you are maintaining a relationship with your little girl. I am sure you will find it helpful to chat to others in similar situations, feel free to join in the threads or start one of your own

best wishes

Louise :)

Posted on: April 16, 2009 - 12:29pm
Hetty

Hi everyone!

Im a newbie here...i have posted on the Freedom thread already but thought i ought to introduce myself to everyone else!

So im recently (3 months) separated from my husband, we had two beautiful girls together aged 4 years and 20 months. They were the only good thing to come out of our 7 years together!!

Look forward to talking to you all more

x

Posted on: April 17, 2009 - 1:11pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi Hetty

It's great to see you here. I know where you're coming from saying your children were the best thing...

Posted on: April 19, 2009 - 4:14pm
Hetty

I guess thats a mutual feeling for most of the members on the board :)
x

Posted on: April 21, 2009 - 8:45pm
eileen467

Hello Everyone, My Name is eileen467 and i am a single mum to me daughter who is 8! Just us and always has been, would like to meet some other single parents to maybe to stuff with. Anyone interested then message me. Southampton area!!! :)

Posted on: April 22, 2009 - 12:06am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

I'm in North Wales, but wanted to say hi...

Posted on: April 22, 2009 - 10:03am
Hetty

Sorry im East anglia but also wanted to say hello! Ive only just found this place but its great and everyone is full of good advice and support :)

x

Posted on: April 22, 2009 - 12:14pm
Johigh

Hi

What is your username - Johigh.
How many children do you have - 2.
How old are they - 19 & 21 - not really children any more & one of them has 2 children of her own :D
Are they boys or girls - both girls (young women!).
How long have you been a single parent - brought them up alone from when the youngest was about 3.

I also work for a different single parent organisation so I hope it's OK for me to be here! Hello :mrgreen:

Posted on: April 22, 2009 - 4:22pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi Johigh

Great to 'see' you here.

Posted on: April 22, 2009 - 5:54pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello Johigh

Welcome to the boards. You will have a wealth of experience to share with other parents as you have brought up your two and are now having experience of being a grandparent. What are the main differences you have noticed from how you brought up your girls and how your daughter is now bringing up her children, in terms of facilities available/advice given by professionals etc?

Louise :)

Posted on: April 22, 2009 - 5:59pm
fussybird

Hi everyone,
I'm Helen
2 boys 11 and 9, 2 girls 5 and 3
soon to be ex-husband eventually moved out last August!
look forward to sharing tips x

Posted on: April 26, 2009 - 5:11pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

hi fussybird

Glad you've found the way to the board.

Best wishes

Posted on: April 26, 2009 - 11:53pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Helen it's great that you have joined us. please feel free to contribute to the threads or start one of your own. Any tips you have found particularly helpful in the last few months?

Louise :)

Posted on: April 27, 2009 - 10:44am
Joanne2568

Hi,
Im Joanne and Im 41 years old and very lonely. Ive been a single parent to Sam who is 14 years old for 9 years. I would appreciate any company, even the cyber kind! Im a teaching assistant studying for my foundation degree in teaching and learning. I love reading, eating out and long walks on summer evenings. (sorry if that sounded like a dating thin - just a little insight into me!)
Joanne

Posted on: April 29, 2009 - 8:49pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Joanne

You do sound a bit down. :(

:D Welcome to One Space :D

Great to hear that you are doing a foundation degree, how is it going? Are you enjoying it? Are there many others on your course?

It sounds like you like a calm life, are you enjoying being a parent to a teenage boy? Please feel free to join in other topics or start your own as you wish.

Speak soon!

Posted on: April 30, 2009 - 10:21am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi Joanne

I have four children - 17, 15, 13 and 10.

Definitely feeling my age at the moment which today is old!! I'm 46.

Best wishes

Posted on: April 30, 2009 - 1:10pm
kattyd

Hi, I'm Kattyd and not too keen to admit the 36 :o My little girl is now 2 1/2 - sometimes wonder if she'll make it to 3!!! We've been on our own for 6 months... be nice to chat to some people in the same situation x

Posted on: May 2, 2009 - 8:58pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

kattyd wrote:
Hi, I'm Kattyd and not too keen to admit the 36 :o My little girl is now 2 1/2 - sometimes wonder if she'll make it to 3!!! We've been on our own for 6 months... be nice to chat to some people in the same situation x

Nothing wrong with 36.... I'm almost 47!! I'm loving my 40s.

My daughter used to be quite a dare-devil. She's 15 now and we spent yesterday morning in A&E as I thought she might have broken her ankle - it's a sprain - thank goodness! :D

I've been on my own for over 5 years now, and can't believe how quickly time has gone by, looking back.

My childen are 17 (son) 15 (madam), 13 (son with special needs) and 10 (football mad son). They're fantastic children.

Posted on: May 3, 2009 - 1:22pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello Kattyd and welcome, good that you have joined us. Being a parent can sometimes make us feel every bit of our age :oops: Do join in the threads or start one of your own if there's a particualr issue you would like to chat about.

Sparkling lime I am glad your daughter's injury wasn't as serious as feared ;)

Take care

Louise :)

Posted on: May 3, 2009 - 4:55pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi kattyd

Funny how age seems to catch up with us!! It still tickles me when a child calls me the 'lady'! I think who.... me? :lol:

Your daughter should be keeping you young at heart though!!

Posted on: May 5, 2009 - 3:36pm
Jo74cal97

Hi everyone, my name is Joanne and I have an 11 year old son. The past year has been a tough one for the both of us. But hey, things have to get better and so here I am wanting to make some friends.

Posted on: May 8, 2009 - 7:29pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Joanne and welcome to One Space! :)

Hope you are soon chatting and comparing notes with others. I am sorry to hear you and your son have had a rough time lately, we are here to support you and maybe you want to share some of your experiences with us? Please feel free to join in any of the threads or start one of your own.

Hope your weekend is going Ok and you have some sunshine

best wishes

Louise ;)

Posted on: May 9, 2009 - 2:23pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi Joanne

Great to hear that you are ready to start making some new friends, its a positive sign that the worst is behind you.

I hope you enjoy One Space :)

Posted on: May 11, 2009 - 11:17am
doddles

Hi I'm Doddles
I have 2 girls, 16 and 13 and i am expecting a baby in about 2 weeks ( a boy ). I am going through a difficult split with the baby's father after months of DV. I live in Devon and am currently trying to remain calm about the upcoming birth.

Posted on: May 11, 2009 - 4:50pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi doddles

I'm so sorry your having DV issues. That's so hard when you need to be relaxing.

I really hope you do have some quiet time now to prepare things. I hope your daughters are looking forward to their brother's arrival and can help a bit.

I do hope that things are more peaceful for you.

My very best wishes

Posted on: May 11, 2009 - 5:05pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi doddles

Welcome to One Space, so sorry to hear about the difficulties with your ex. Are you getting support with that?Have you been told about the Freedom Programme? I have found out that it runs in two place in Devon, if either are near you, it is worth getting in touch, not only for the extra support from others in a similar situation to you, but also to learn more about the realities and tactics of an abusive person.

Plymouth Family Centre
Contact: Sue
Tel: 07825263718
Email:

<script type="text/javascript">eval(unescape('%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%73%75%65%2e%76%65%6e%6e%65%72%40%70%6c%79%6d%6f%75%74%68%2e%67%6f%76%2e%75%6b%22%3e%73%75%65%2e%76%65%6e%6e%65%72%40%70%6c%79%6d%6f%75%74%68%2e%67%6f%76%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b'))</script>

Contact: The Bridge Associates, Totnes
Tel: 0845 053 5627
Email: contact.bridge-associates.org.uk

Also have a look in the Abuse and Violence section of the Info Library on the homepage and also here at the Online Groups.

How exciting to be having a new baby, I understand your nerves, but try and be kind to yourself and enjoy these last couple of weeks, before nappies and tears!! ;)

Let us know how you get on with the above organisations, if you contact them.

Speak soon :)

Posted on: May 12, 2009 - 10:27am
helpme

hello im andrea, im single mum to jack whos 9 and a handful, been single parent for 7 yrs, just recently split up from boyfriend id been with for 6

Posted on: May 12, 2009 - 11:55pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi helpme

From your name it sounds as if you are feeling the pressure at the moment, sorry to hear about your recent separation, was it expected? How is your son coping?

I am glad you have found us and I look forward to getting to know you. :)

Posted on: May 13, 2009 - 9:20am
mousie

Hi everyone my name is mouse and i have 3 children, a daughter of 25, son of 22 and a gorgeous little girl of 3. my husband left 5 weeks ago :(

Posted on: May 13, 2009 - 10:21pm
Anna
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hey mousie, welcome to One Space!

How are you? Two grown up children and a brand new one, you are brave! So sorry to hear about your husband I imagine it wasn't expected?

I hope you find the support you are looking for on these groups and around the site, please let me know if there is anything missing.

Please join in with any group and share your wisdom and worries, we are here to support you and hopefully you won't feel alone.

Posted on: May 14, 2009 - 9:16am
Urs

My name is Ursula, I live in Aldershot and I have a 13year old girl. I have been a single parent for 7 years. :)

Posted on: May 14, 2009 - 10:53am
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello Ursula, glad you have joined us :D

You have been a single parent for a while now and I am sure will have lots of advice to pass on to our less experienced members. Maybe you could tell us a bit more about your situation in the "Your story" section? or have you some recipes to share? Or start a thread of your own if there's something you would like to chat about or to ask for support and information.

Half term is looming, I have just been looking in my diary. Have you any plans?

Louise :)

Posted on: May 14, 2009 - 1:41pm
Rioja

Hello - I'm Rioja (no I'm not an alcoholic!). I have one gorgeous boy who is 6 and I have been a single mother since October 08.

Posted on: May 15, 2009 - 1:49pm