Hi Terri
Welcome to one space. You will find lots of gret people on here and lots of support and advice.
Teenagers, oh yes they are hard work arent they, I have 5 children 24,20,17,16 and 9 boy at each end and girls in the middle, the older they get the more demanding they become I think, they want money, it grows on the money tree in my back garden, they can be lazy not wanting to do any housework ie wash up etc, it does wear you down at times, but there are also the good days when they make me smile.
Do hope you will have a good look around the whole site and keep posting, it will be a little quiter this evening but others will be along tomorrow to say hi xxx
Hello Teresa123 and welcome!
It is good to see you here, and hope you will enjoy using this very friendly site.
Teenagers....ah yes, I have two boys as well, they are 21 and 16 now and so I can really empathise. Have a look at our section on Teenagers. That is sad about them losing contact with their dad but when they are so grown up they can make up their own minds and it is for their dad to make peace with them, I would presume. What do you think?
Sorry to hear you are feeling down at the moment after your recent split. There's lots of good company here. I was gald to see that you already joined in the Chat section
Hi Teresa123. Welcome along. Sorry to hear you're going through a rough time right now. Look forward to getting to know you. Take care.
Hi All, just registered as I came across the site
whilst looking for advice and support relating to my 10 yr old son who
has anger management issues! The joys eh? 
I'm newly single again and also have a 5 week old daughter. I can't
help but blame myself for my sons issues as he's been exposed to an
awful lot over the passed 12 months. We're through the worst of it now
thank goodness and have settled into a routine again so hopefully within
time he'll settle down... hopefully before he starts high school in
Sept!!! I've asked for help from the school and our docs so fingers
crossed. I know I'm not alone when I say how guilty I feel as a single
parent when things don't go to plan. Really glad I came across this
site and hope to make some friends? Speak soon xx
Hello AJ
You are welcome here. There is bound to be some upheaveal for the children after a separation. I am glad to hear that the school and GP are involved in helping your son. One of the best tips I can give you is no matter how angry your son becomes do not show anger yourself.
How is life with a new baby?
Look forward to getting to know you, others will be along to say hellp later in the day
Hi Louise, Thanks for the reply. If I'm being totally honest I have been showing my anger, it doesn't seem to take much these days to set me off. I can't even let the small things go and I feel totally ashamed 
. I always feel guilty afterwards and beat myself up constantly as I know this must contribute to his low self asteem. He does misbehave though and I am guilty for being too soft with him in the past and we are both suffering now. He has had a few incidents at school over the last 12 months when he blows up and cant control himself. He has hit other kids, thrown things, ran out of school. I have got the docs to refer him to CAHMS now as I am desparate for help. We have been so so close over the years but I'm scared our relationship is breaking down as all we seem to do is argue and I know I'm no help.
My ex partner is not the father to my son and the relationship sadly only lasted 18 months due to various issues. Basically we're so better off out of it as he was abusive emotionally and phyically towards me. Scammed me out of 20k. My son witnessed lots of arguments. I left when I was 6 months pregnant and never looked back.
I am worried that I am suffering with depression as some days I can be really positive and others not wanting to do anything, including getting dressed in the morning, I avoid social settings etc. I feel really isolated and low at times. I feel my son suffers from this but am struggling to find a solution as how can I expect my son to be happy if his Mummy isn't. I feel I'm getting into a really bad cycle and am so conscience it needs to stop.
My daughter is a angel and a god send. My son adores her and I am so proud with how he has welcomed her into our family as its been just us two for the majority of his life. My son does see he Dad and we have a good relationship.
How depressing do I sound lol.
I'd like to say that I am a really good listener and would welcome anyone to chew my ear off if they ever feel the need.
Speak soon
Hi AJ
Don't be too hard on yourself, you only had a baby a few weeks ago, it is not neccessarily depression but just having a lot to cope with.
It is true that our children take their cues from us. I am going to post a link to an article about Teenagers. I know your son is younger than this but it might give you a bit of help, I am a great believer in starting earlier lol. But I do hope CAHMS can give you some help, there can be a substantial waiting list.
As for the low self esteem, I am also including a link to some info about Praise. Most of us, myself included, tend to tell our children the things they do wrong and forget to praise them for the good things, give it a go
Thanks Louise.
I've just read them both and it has given me plenty of food for thought. It's the hardest job in the world being a parent and doing right by your children. You would think it would come naturally but that isn't the case it's alot of hard work!
Praise all the way from now on and lead by example is what I will focus on for now - fingers crossed......thanks again.
J is getting fidgity now so I'm going to grab a brew before her feed.
It would be nice to know a bit more about you when you have time.
Have a great day!
Glad they were useful
I am one of the Moderators here, with Anna. My sons are now 21 and 16, I divorced their dad when they were eight and three. I am a qualified counsellor and have trained as a parenting adviser and facilitator, as well as other bits such as debt help, benefits and mediation.
I agree parenting is the hardest job and they don't come with an instruction book(!)....also nowadays there are less people who have family on hand to help and advise.
Hi AJ, Welcome to one space, look forward to chatting xxx
Hi AJ
Welcome on board! Congratulations on your new baby
It sounds as though you and your son have been through an awful lot in the last couple of years. I wouldn't be surprised if he is angry and confused about your ex. A man who has come into your lives, turned them upside down and left a trail of destruction in his path. Your son has seen your upset and you wobbling and it probably frightens him. Our kids need to see us as the strong resiliant person in their lives who can protect them and deal with everything.
Thanks for admitting that you are losing it with your son. It is a hard thing to admit, I used to completely freak out on my daughter when she was small, (I am ashamed to say), however once I admitted to myself that this behaviour really wasn't on, it was the beginning of a new journey for both of us.
I went on a Parenting programme and learnt about lots of things, but it was Special Time that worked 10-fold and created the brilliant relationship we have today. She is now 16 and a joy to be around. (Well as much as any teenager can be! )
It is great to read that you and your son's father have a good relationship, has he noticed his son being more angry? Actually I have lots of questions!
However, we try and keep this section just for introductions and then hopefully newbies will look around the Discussion forums and either start their own topic under a relevant heading and join in elsewhere.
So AJ, I am not kicking you off this page, but I do feel that we could give you more intensive support in a thread of your own making, rather than in the reception area (if you get my drift!!). So you can either start a new topic in Introduce Yourself forum (we are currently in the Introduce Yourself thread - confusing huh!) or have a look at our Discussion Index and jump straight in!
Any topic you start please use a descriptive title. Sorry I sound really bossy, usually that is Louise's role (hee hee!
) but feel that we can all have a good old chinwag elsewhere and keep this board free for new incomers.
I hope the sun today is lightening you mood?
Hi AJ. Welcome along. I've welcomed you in the chat section too 
Congratulations on the recent birth of your daughter. It was lovely to read how your son is so great with her too. Like you, I was losing it big time with my 8 year old son (only child) a few weeks ago, so you're not the only one. It is extremely hard being a single parent, and you've just had a baby too, so things are probably up and down at the moment. Really pleased you have had a chat with the school and GP, at least they are supporting you and your son, (as they should). Look forward to getting to know you. Have a lovely weekend. xx
Hi Anna, thanks for the yet again warm welcome. I am overwhelmed with how lovely everyone has been.
J not been asleep that long - she's in with me as I appear to have made a rod for my own back..
I will take your advice and start up a discussion in the hope of getting some support as I am desperate to get our relationship back on track.
Hi Hazeleys, thanks for your welcome and best wishes, looking forwards to getting to know you too :). I'd really appreciate your input on my discussion topic espeically if you've found yourself in the same place with your son.
I'll get on with it then, no time like the present, that's if J stays asleep anyways.
Thanks again ladies xx
Aj, happy mothers day xxx
Right back at you tiredmum xx
What a lovely bunch of people you all are on this site, I wish I'd known about you years ago! I work nights to fit in with school, have 5 children, 31,29,26 13 and 10.
I feel quite alone inspite of such a big family as I don't have parents or inlaws to help with tough times (there have been many )my 2 little ones have not had any contact with their father for many years and we have never had any financial help . I do love them so much of cpurse but my teenager is really draining me and has started to take money from my purse, smoking and drinking alcohol. I have been to meetings at her school and they are supportive though obviously not at home when it's really difficult, she seems to hate me and of course her father has moved away with a new partner and refuses to help , blaming me for all her behaviour.
I luckily still have some semblance of a sense of humour but fear that it may desert me soon!
Would love some reassurance and encouragement?
Keep up the good work, I'm sure you are a lifeline to lots of folk
Tess
Hi Tess
It's awful when money goes from your purse, isn't it?! I've been embarrased a few times when I've gone shopping.
One thing I have found about children is that they seem to have the need to blame those who they're closest to. Not that it helps, I know it doesn't.
I'm glad the school is being supportive, almost half the battle there.
Looking forward to 'chatting'
Hello tess
You are very welcome here
I see you have started a new thread about your daughter and I will be replying to you in full on that thread. Just to say that you are not alone, and we will give you loads of support if you keep posting.
Welcome on board Tess, I will add to your thread too xx
Hi tess, nice to 'meet' you, thanks for starting up another thread, it sounds as though you could do with some support right now, I will come and find you there too!
Hi tess, welcome along to One Space I'm not into the teenage years yet, though sometimes it feels like it! I have just the one son, who is 8 going on 28 somedays! I might not be able to offer much advice on your daughter, but I'll still be here to offer support, and encourage to you to keep up the good work. Got to shoot off now, to a dreaded math course! Hope you have a good day. Take care. xx
Hi from me too Tess xxx
Hi, Just joined today.
Firstly a big HI to everyone.
I have three children two boys 16 and 13 and a daughter who is 10. My husband, my childrens father, passed away five years last November. Alot has happened since then, one is that my middle boy was diagnosed with Aspergers and ADD two years ago. Well thats all for now.
Take care.
Hi Eyes600
Welcome to one space, you will find everyone really friendly on here. Others will be along to say hi xxx
Aspergers and ADD thats hard, does your son attend a mainstream school or a specialist one for his difficulties, it isnt easy having a child with Aspergers, my friends son has it, he is coming up 16 now and its been an uphill battle to get him the support he needed xxx
Hi Eyes600
Looking forward to getting to know you.
Hello Eyes600
Welcome to One Space, glad you found us.
You have been through a lot with losing your husband and coping with your son's diagnosis, not to mention bringing up three children! Have you got any local family support? Are there any groups near you for parents of children with Aspergers, or do you get some support on the Net?
Look forward to chatting with you
Hi Eyes600 from me too! You probably need 600 eyes with 3 children, 2 of them being boys!
Please join in anywhere on the site or start your own thread if there is anything in particular you wish to discuss.
How have you coped with all the changes in the last 5 years?
Hi Eyes600. A big welcome from me too.
Welcome Eyes600, Hope you settle in well! My sister was diagnosed with Asperges when she was 19 - I know how tricky it can be at times. Much much patieance is needed. Looking forward to chatting
AJ x
Thank you everyone. Such a warm welcome. Sorry not on the computer much bit hard to find the time. Will have a look around now for abit while things are quiet in the house.
hi Im Katie and have been a single parent for a year. I have 2 children, my girly is 5 and my little boy is 3. It has been a year of mixed emotions and challenges but i'm getting there :-)
Hi Katie, welcome to one space xxx
Hello mummykatie,
You are very welcome here. A rollercoaster year, eh? I think many of us can identify with that. On the whole the early days after separation are the worst and things tend to get easier as you settle into the new situation. Let's hope so! Do the children see their dad at the moment?
Hi mummykatie. Welcome along from me too You've found a lovely warm site here, so do keep posting. Hope you get to have a look around, and join in with us. Look forward to 'chatting'.
Hello, I'm Charlotte
I have two children, a girl of 13 and a boy of 8. I work part time and am proud to be able to (just about) support my family and remain in our home. I have been a lone parent for 18 months, having ended a 17 year marriage and still coming to terms with the enormous emotional journery i am travelling and doing my best to help my children through the ups and downs of it all, its the reason i have found this site and hoping it can give me some answers.
Hi Charlotte. welcome to onespace. I am new to this site but wow there are so many people with great advice. You will never be on your own hun, these mums are our rock! They have some brilliant ideas where you think, why didn't i think of that one? and yeah i could try it that way.
I also have a 13yr old girl and 11yr old boy. times can be tough when your on your own and always mountains far too high to climb at times. but you have to stay focused and you will get over these mountains. I seemed to head straight through them face on at first but slowly began that slow climb hun.
Hi Charlottea, welcome to one space, xxx
Jaynee, now sure I have said hi to you before so hi and how are you xxx
I am good tiredmum and hope you are too? I spoke to you the other week regarding childcare issues. My son being too old ( his opinon), to have a babysitter! Next hols he is booked in to go to an activity centre, his gym coach runs it, so dropping him off early is no problems. my headaches this week! For what! He went for one day last week and i have said he can go for one day this week too. But now i have the horrid issue of telling his childminder this will be his last hols with her after eight years of having him.She loves him as he is one of her own! Next hurdle. bring it on, lol. xx
Oh yes I remember, its been one of those weeks here for me, not that its ever anything else!!!!!!
I am so glad you have it all sorted and the childminder will be fine, your son will love where he is going as it is more age appropriate, well done xxx
Hi Charlottea
I have been chatting to you on the other thread You are very welcome here and there is always someone to give you support and information plus suggestions to help. You are quite right to be proud of what you have achieved! Look forward to sharing more with you and getting to know you.
Jaynee, not easy with the childminder but he is a big boy now and you could say something along the lines of he is wanting more freedom and your philosophy is that you want to teach him that as he matures yes he gets more freedoms but also more responsibilities and so his "job" with the school club is part of that, heh heh
Just popping in to say Hi to all and welcome, thanks for coming in and introducing yourselves. Look forward to learning all about you and catching up with you on other threads.
Hi, I'm new here, age 36 with 3 daughters age nearly 18, 15 and nearly 2. I have been a single mum for about 14 years now.....best thing I ever did was get divorced
Hi jenlush. Welcome along to One Space. I have written to you in your thread. I do hope you get to look around the site, and join in with us. Here is the link to the Chatroom section. It's just the same thing, posting then wait for a reply here
Hi jenlush.
hi louise thanks so much for replying. i dont manage to get online alot but it is nice to be able to chat. The kids do see their dad, usually once a fortnight but only for a couple of hours. I feel they are missing out on alot not spending much time with him but he doesnt seem to understand, and I just feel guiltly when they tell me they are missing him. Your right it has been a rollercoaster year, and the ups and downs are upsetting. I do seem to get back into a routine and settled with the kids then something else pops up and I seem to go backwards again. I'm not giving up though, we will get there eventually!
Hi jenlush, you are very welcome here, and I have been chatting with you on the other thread, hope to get to know you better.
Hi mummykatie, It is hard, but there is no need for YOU to feel guilty because HE does not see them much, it is him who has made them sad. They will get used to the new pattern in time, and in the meantime just carry on giving them lots of reassurance. You could say "I know you are sad that you don't see daddy much, it is Ok to be sad but I really love you and I am always here" or something like that.
Hi I'm englishrose, i have one daughter aged 4, separated on 24/11/2009, divorced 6/1/2011. Full time mum - sole resident parent.
Hello
Hello englishrose you are welcome here.
How are you enjying the long weekend with your daughter? Is she at school or playgroup at the moment, and does she have contact with her dad (and how do YOU feel about that?)
Look forward to getting to know you
hello there
Im Terri.have 2 lads aged 15 and 17.divorced for nearly 2 and a half years now.have just come out of a relationship so a little fragile and a bit sad! teenagers are hard work...i thought it would be easier as they got older,but it seems not ! the boys havent seen their Dad since August now and the eldest is no longer speaking to him.just here to meet and talk to others in similar situations ...PLEASE !!!!
Teresa123