Hi everyone,
I am new to the forum and just wanted to introduce myself.
my name is mer and I am a mother of a 2.5 year old boy - my little prince! :)
I am married to his father, but in the process of getting a divorce.
I want to find out what benefits are there for single mothers, as I will need financial support to be able to afford living by myself and my son.
Would anyone have any suggestion where I could refer to?
Thank you all and happy I have joined the forum.
Best regards,
mer
Hello meropif. Welcome along 
Hi Mer
welcome to the most amazing forum you will ever find. Everyong here is so lovely - this place has kept me sane.
Im a single mum x 2 so bit of an expert. The best piece of advice is stay strong and smile and this time next year you will wonder why you worried so much x
HM x
Hi HM,
Thank you so much for your post!
Yeah, to be honest with you I am quite positive and confident, so far.
There is some practical things, which I try to put in place - will get there, soon!
My motto is to worry, if and when needed. :)
xxx
mer
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your post - really interesting.
I will check out all the links you have suggested.
Yes, I am in control of the situation and I have gained my smile back.
My son is 2.5 y.o. I need to find out how shall I approach the divorce issue and talk to him. Will get some councelling as soon as possible.
So far, things are under control.
Again, thank you for all your support.
mer
Hello meropif, welcome from me too.
Your son is very small and you will need to explain things very simply, like mummy and daddy are living in different houses now, but we still both love YOU
A useful book is here (click) which lets a child know that families are made up of all sorts of combinations.
Thank you Louise,
I have ordered the book and have started speaking to my son.
I understand they are very sensitive at this age and it is now that he needs all love and attention and there are times that I feel so bad that this marriage did not work. But, it is healthier to tell him the truth and move on with our separate lives (me and my ex) rather than pretending we are happy together (as a couple).
Thank you so much for your support.
xxx
mer
Good luck meropif, we are here if you want to talk about what's going on for you!
Thank you so much! I need this support - the opportunity to talk to people who understand where I am standing and have experienced all this, already. Thank you so much!
Hi meropif, we like having you here too!
I am glad that you are finding the site supportive and I think it is helpful to talk to people who have been there, done it, got the t-shirt and have come out the other side smiling!! 
I mean it is not all a breeze, parenting alone is hard work, lonely, stressful and more, but it can also be so rewarding and bring moments of exquisite happiness when you recognise you are doing this all on your own!
Hi meropif and may I be the first to welcome you to One Space
Have a look at our Help! I have just become a single parent, what do I do? article, for some food for thought.
With regards to benefits, go to the Turn2Us Benefits Checker to see what you would be entitled to.
Also have a look at CMoptions to see how much your child maintenance would be.
This is a difficult time, but your post sounds as though you are in control of the situation, how is your little boy dealing with it? Have you told him yet?