Hi I'm a single mum of 2. I work full time as a manager and basically get zero help from my ex with regards raising the kids. I really want to make a better social life for me and the kids, but don't know where to start. My time is limited during the day due to work.
Hi space trace nice to 'meet' you
i don't work outside my home yet but am wanting to sdo on as I can
i am single mum to seven kids 2,3,6,10,12 and my two eldest live with their farther.
Welcome to one space
how old are your children?
Hello and a big welcome from me too.
It can be really hard to have any sort of social life when you have your hands full with children and work. Have a look at our article Making New Friends, which has all sorts of suggestions.
Hi Thanks for the replies. My kids are 6 and 4. My youngest starts full time school in September yay!! My ex too only lives on the road but meh never has the kids and doesn't really help me financially. I know I should whet maintenance but I prefer it this way.
Socially it would be nice to have people to go pub/ cinema or just have a moan about exes with lol
Hi Spacetrace and welcome from me too! 
When you are raising children on your own, we firmly believe in creating a network of friends around you to support you through the highs and lows.
Do you take the children to any groups where you have met some nice people? What will you be doing in September? Will you be expected to go back to work?
Hi Anna, I work full time as manager and I do have some good friends at work but they are all in couples, so although I do socialise with them occasionally. I don't feel they completely understand my situation. I have a great family too. I just feel that I needs to broaden my horizons and make the most of life.
I agree, a network of support is a good idea, yes of course from friends but also any other resources you have (One Space could be one!)
You might also like to have a look at this site (click) which seems to organsie regular family days for single parents (don't know what they're like of course and the postis from last year but it is worth having a look)
Thanks Louise I'll take a look. One Space does seem to be really useful and there is some great advice on here from people who understand!
Hi Spacetrace, thank you for the compliment, always much appreciated!
I am wondering if you have looked at our article Making New Friends, that gives suggestions of sites that you can look at for getting out and about?
Hi Spacetrace
I know you have said you don't want the maintenance but he is responsible for maintaining his children too. Have you considered getting maintenance and putting it away for the children's future if you don't want to spend it?
I'm intrigued by your reasons for not accepting maintenance! Sorry I know this isn't the topic you asked about.
On the other topic I have just started a single parents group in my area. We are going to meet once a month on a Friday morning at our local childrens centre for those who don't work and then twice a month at weekends, one which will be a daytime thing and one evening thing without kids.
The group was easy to set up (I did it through Gingerbread) and it's put me in touch with single parents I wouldn't otherwise have met.
Gem
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Hi Spacetrace and welcome!
I'm Gem and I have two boys aged 4 and 5. I am going back to work in January (eek!) probably part time though as a charity manager.
I am in awe of anyone who can work full time as a single Mum. I am hoping to build up my hours as time goes on.
Sorry to hear you don't have any help. :-( Do you mean financial or he doesn't see them (or both)?
My ex-H lives around the corner and sees them every other weekend but never speaks to us in between which is a bit wierd but I am lucky he has always paid maintenance.
How old are you kids?
I've been thinking about my social life a lot too recently (although not my kids' life i must say - they are always busy!)
What are you thinking you'd like to try social-wise?
Look forward to chatting
Gem
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