I have my daughter (17) and son (6) full time for the last 4.5 years. My ex takes my son one night a week and maybe a half day each weekend once or twice a month. My daughter refuses to go with him often, maybe a half day once a month or twice tops.

If it wasn't for my mom, we would be homeless. I work full time, have a great career and pay for everything for our kids without assistance (two cars, clothes, education/after school care, sports, medical insurance, food, supplies, pets and pet care, entertainment, etc...) Mom enjoys our company and provides a loving home for us all. It's such a blessing. I feel bad a lot, and struggle with wanting to move out from time to time, but usually it's because I'm feeling powerless over something and need to step up my spiritual game so to speak.

She always says that she's happy to do it, because she has it. It would be a waste for her to be in the big home all alone, and she gets so much joy from our being there. I don't ask her for any childcare, since my son has been in the Y after school since grade school, and full time daycare since birth. She fills a special place in their hearts since they are without their dad on a daily basis too, so it's such a blessing.

This year I'm focusing on getting this weight off, getting healthy, and who knows, maybe start dating again. I'm feeling like I may be interested in meeting a nice fellow. I miss the companionship of a spouse. Up to now I haven't wanted anything like that, so I know things are changing...

Hi, I just wanted to post to this thread, because I want you to know how much better I feel to see that I am not the only one out there! I am a single parent to a 6 year old boy. His father acts like "father of the year" but very rarely gets him or is capable of taking care of him properly. In fact he used to get him on the days I worked late and I would pick him at 8, and he was not fed, homework not done and no bath even though I would ask over and over again to at least do 2 out of the 3. I finally just gave up and I pay a friend to pick him up and she gets things done for me. But because of that financial responsibility I have to even work harder to pay it. My family lives 1200 miles away. I take care of everything. Financially, school, sports, you name it. I feel guilty as well about wanting time to myself. When I do get the time, it's cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and not really true time for myself. My friend that gets him after school helps sometimes, but most of it I have to pay her for it and I already pay out so much for what she already does. It is so hard as you all know. And twice as hard to lose weight and exercise. Last night, I didnt have time for dinner....by the time everything was done it was 9:30 and I was just too tired to make something healthy and decided not to eat at all and go to bed. It is murder on my metabolism I know. Plus I wake up starving. I struggle with fatigue (which I know is a result of being overweight) and it is very hard to get up early and "workout". I don't even know what I could do other that some exercise video if I could get up early enough to do it. Any suggestions? I am so exhausted on the weekends....I often think i should walk with my son through the neighborhood but can't seem to get the energy to do it. And right now I actually can't as I had foot surgery about 6 weeks ago and still not up to par to do any exercise, but that is another story...Dating? Lord, when could I fit that in? If I ever get free time to myself, I would much rather do absolutely nothing. I know that sounds nuts but I run, run, run and when he is not here I just veg, watch something other than SpongeBob on the TV and usually go back to cleaning , laundry and whatever I can do while he is not there and distracting. I could go on and on, but I appreciate reading all your posts and getting ideas. So if you have any for me let me know! I congratulate all of you on making the effort to live a healthier life. I hope to get there real soon!

Just joined the group! I am 26 years old at 193 lbs.I'm full time single mother of 1 and 5 year old girls! I attend college full time as well and on a tight budget! Over the past 2 years I've been very proud of my accomplishments after leaving an abusive relationship. Now its time to take care of my health and get back into shape!

I tried MFP a year ago and lost 10 lbs but since than i have gained 20 lbs! This time I WILL NOT quit!

Fitting time around my school schedule and picking up kids from school/daycare is difficult but i'm very determined. Unfortunately, I am a very picky eater and if you are able to suggest any healthy meals I'd love to try them out!

Currently, I go to the gym 5 days a week (only my first week back) sticking to weight training circuit and the cross ramp. Having a hard time branching out to other workouts! I plan on beginning the C25K in a month after I've gotten used to being back to the gym. I also would like to begin the Jillian Michael 30 Day Shred in the mornings before school (having a hard time finding the energy for that)

Anyways, all the support & motivation would be great. Send me a friend request! Thank You! Wish you all the best with your fitness journey!

Hi folks!

I am a full time single mom of a 10.5 year old boy. I've been single since I was 6 months pregnant.

It's really hard work! Discipline-wise, and financially. Sometimes I can't handle the stress of things.... Which sucks for my waistline since I am an emotional eater.

That being said, me and my son have a very close relationship - many of my married-couple friends are envious of it.

Feel free to add me!

Sometimes it's actually easier to be a full-time single parent! I say that because after 5 years of 24/7 care, I now live about an hour away from my ex so my son sees him every other weekend. It generally takes me the following week to get him "back to normal" after a "no-rules" weekend at Dad's.

I remember being so stressed when he was younger and I had no time to myself! I still have little time to myself, but at least now he has activities and practices where I can drop him off and sneak to the store if I need to.

I would encourage parents of young kids to seek out support systems even in unlikely places. For example, I really don't like mainstream churches but I found some that were wonderful support for me. One church had a giant indoor playground attached to their cafe and offered free wireless. When I couldn't afford internet, I could take him to play while I did my email and online courses and sometimes someone would treat me to something from the cafe. They didn't push me to join the church or anything. Another had a Wed kid's class but no corresponding activity for the adults, so it was basically parent's night out.

Last tip is to try hard to find someone who you can be comfortable with watching your child so you can get out every now and then. This was VERY tough for me because I am VERY picky about what he takes in (TV, games, etc) and I had been scarred by childcare providers (and their children) growing up. I've found that my son needs the break from ME sometimes, lol, so it's mutual

Hey guys! I have been a single mom for 10 months now, and my son is 12 months old. I became a single mom upon finding out that his father was abusing him. I'm his sole caregiver now, and it's just the two of us living in a small apartment. Getting fit is very difficult when I have to carry a baby around with me everywhere I go, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Please add me and lets become friends...us single parents have to stick together!!!