[LibbyHawkins]

I am so frustrated, sometimes I think parents who are part of a couple have ZERO understanding of parenting as a Single, I know I made this choice, but - ARRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHH -

Sometimes I need help!

I am really beginning to think I can't do this without a partner.

Those who have jobs that require odd hours or live away from family, what do you do?

How do you make plans to attend necessary things, where children aren't welcome, like a funeral for instance?

[MamaS]

I had a babysitter who I paid higher than average so she would ALWAYS come to me when I called. If she were not available, I sent a sympathy/congratulations/Happy Birthday card and didn't go.
My circle of friends did get smaller -- mostly single and divorced mothers who understood and were okay with doing things where kids WERE welcome -- or chipping in for two sitters.

[Dickons]

Hi Libby,

No idea of how you would feel about it or if it would work for you, but I googled "seniors who want to be an adopted grandparent" and there are programs in senior citizen communities etc that try to help bring people together so a mom has someone in her neighborhood when her family lives far away.

Not saying it would work or that there were not going to be concerns you would want to address, but it may be worthwhile seeing if your community has some type of program.

Kind regards,
Dickons

[LibbyHawkins]

Thanks for the replies, keep the ideas coming if you have them. My problem is I need Weekends, I have been relying on a Friend, who watches him 5 days a week, I have a weekend and a weekday off. I feel like I am imposing on family time and I panic whenever I am looking for "coverage" for a particular day.

I get all caught up in what am I going to do if someone can't watch him, then the guilt sets in because I dont' want it to be just "someone".

I used to have a college girl that helped out on weekneds but she got a real job. Most times it all works out fine, but today I was in a panic.

There is a Senior community not too far, definitely worth checking out.

[ladyjubilee]

Originally Posted by LibbyHawkins

Thanks for the replies, keep the ideas coming if you have them. My problem is I need Weekends, I have been relying on a Friend, who watches him 5 days a week, I have a weekend and a weekday off. I feel like I am imposing on family time and I panic whenever I am looking for "coverage" for a particular day.

I get all caught up in what am I going to do if someone can't watch him, then the guilt sets in because I dont' want it to be just "someone".

I used to have a college girl that helped out on weekneds but she got a real job. Most times it all works out fine, but today I was in a panic.

There is a Senior community not too far, definitely worth checking out.

Our foster/adoption group swaps babysitting and respite.