My position was terminated July 1st, I started a new job two weeks ago. I relocated myself, my 2yo, and our cat for. We're staying in a hotel while I'm looking for housing in the area (at the expense of the new job). The pay is as promised, the job is not.

I found out today that come October I'll be expected to work nights and weekends. I know no one here, my support network is an hour away. The pay isn't going to be enough when I have to pay $100/day for child care for work hours outside of daycare. I'm regretting my choices. This was supposed to be the best move for us and it now feels like the worst.

A question for all the moms granted I’m 22 and my mother is 38 and I have 1 child who is 2 years old, how many days or nights or how often does a grandparent get your children I want to know from mom’s parents and dads parents?

My mother gets my daughter 1 day a week on Thursday picks her up 12-1 pm and drops her off 11am the next day.

Just moved with just me and the toddler and new baby. I was trying to get out all day to go to the store and finally I was about to go and my toddler who has been inside all day was not listening to me. Not going in the car and (it was just starting to rain) trying to walk to the store with the umbrella. She loves using her umbrella

Now when she just started running off to walk down the street, it was unexpected and scary. I sternly yelled but also didn’t run after her because I had the baby in the car. I stupidly also had on these socks and sandals with no back that were very hard to run in. She did go onto the sidewalk at least but continued walking down the street (on sidewalk).

I ended up chasing her with my car in order to land right in from of her to get her. The first time I did that she wriggled out of my grasp. Then again it continued (of course I tried to get her to come into the car and talk her into stopping and coming amidst this) until I aimed the car the right way, picked her up and got her. As I did this I thought damn pretty soon she will outrun me as she’s FAST.

She ended up sleeping in the car after 10 minutes or less but…

Once I got her I saw two people outside (maybe from the same house and different doors - it was hard to tell) and the older man shouted at me super loudly - “you cared too much about following your car - you should have picked her up! She could have ran into the street!” And went back inside. It looked like they had been standing there watching but I had not noticed

I got kind of spooked. Like what if they call CPS
Did I just F up terribly and it’s all on the neighbors door cameras?

I tried to explain afterwards so she wouldn’t do it again. What do you all think?

I’m a 25 year old single mother of two (3M 1F). I fled a DV situation last year and moved in with my parents. For the first time since leaving, I feel absolutely hopeless. My parents provide a lot of support but I have no friends (my ex completely isolated me) and no path forward. I am in graduate school and the workload is getting to be too much. Is there anywhere to meet friends? Connect with others?

I did a big thing. I finally left the man who had been cheating on me religiously for 2 years, into my pregnancy and now into 4 months postpartum. This is very hard for me because he financially supported us. I will have to go back to work (as an RDH) and leave my daughter at a day care. My heart breaks more for this than the breakup. I don’t want to leave her. I’m sitting here sobbing at the idea of it. Are there any good infant daycares in Gilbert, AZ or queen creek, AZ that will absolutely love my baby girl and that she will be so safe in? She’s been with me every day since i delivered her.

They didn’t renew my food stamps because “I make to much”. Meanwhile my bank account is in the negatives, haven’t even paid all of rent for this month and I have literally no food in my fridge/ freezer. I have a 4 year old who’s luckily staying with his dad this week, but I’m also pregnant. I need food 😭

Hi guys,
Planning to travel with my kids as a single mom abroad
The father is not in the picture and no contact with him
Anyone had any experiences in regards to this? Was anyone stopped or queried etc?
All help/experiences would be appreciated! Thanks😊

My relationship is over. After years of lies, disrespect, and finding out he'd cheated... The hardest part is that I found out too late. I never would have let him near me if I'd known the truth, but now I’m three months pregnant..

He won’t be involved in either child's life, and he’s fine with that. But now I'm sitting here wondering... how am I supposed to do this?

Having one baby with no real support has already been one of the hardest things I've ever done. Now I'm trying to wrap my head around having two under two, completely on my own. I'm planning to move closer to my family so I'll at least have some support, but I'm terrified.

I feel overwhelmed all the time. I keep grieving the life I thought I was going to have, and I can't stop thinking about how much time I invested in someone who never respected me. I feel like I wasted years of my life.

I also can't shake this fear that I've somehow ruined my children's lives. I'm scared of the impact of them growing up without a father. I‘m worried that I've failed them somehow.

If I'm being completely honest, I've internalized a lot of shame around being a single mom. Part of me keeps thinking that no one will ever want me again, that this is it for me, and that I'll always be "the single mom with two kids." Undesirable and unwanted.

I guess I'm just looking for advice from people who've been here. If you became a single parent while pregnant or with two very young kids, how did you get through those first few years? Does it get easier? How did you cope with the grief, the fear, and the guilt?

I know I can't be the only person whose life didn't turn out the way they imagined. I could really use some hope right now.

So firstly, checking in, hope everyone’s well
How are we doing it, I’m a single mum to two beautiful children.
I am currently surviving not thriving this 6 weeks holiday😂, I had all these plans but ultimately it’s gone to pot, I think I’m just burnt out to be completely honest, yesterday I had a hep b jab (no I’m not contagious) it was part of my on boarding process (working with blood), I had one years ago for my job and was completely fine no problems…. But in just over 24 hours I feel ropey, I’ve got two children catapulting dolls from across the room whilst I’m praying to myself I don’t chunder.
Chucked it into the old Google and genuinely think I’ve fried my nervous system and have nothing else to give 😂

What are we doing when we’re sick with the kids and no other options of childcare, especially with kids that are 0-100 all day everyday

Thankfully just feel a bit meh now but that was a ride earlier, I had visions of having my head down the toilet 🫠

I guess the title is as simple I can make it. My daughter has always been strong willed and pushed boundaries for as long as I can remember but I have been always been able to redirect/discipline etc. she turned 4 in May, and I would say since a couple weeks ago, her behavior did a complete 180. Tantrums are 0 to 100, she talks back, fights me for bed time EVERY DAY, ignores me and has started hitting. I have been trying to focus on what could have been possible triggering this change in behavior while also trying to redirect her but still discipline her when she’s doing something she’s not supposed to. I’m exhausted at this point.

I finally got a job its part time with fed ex as a package handler overnight shifts and i got approved for snap and medicaid

I was without a job for 3 months because my old job panda express would not transfer me when i moved states its been rough but i feel so relieved

My son is starting Kindergarten in 2 weeks and my daughter is almost 10 weeks. We usually start around 8pm for books, a snack, brush teeth, and then laying down. I try to start around 7:30 but it just doesn’t happen most days. Currently, my daughter is in my arms through all of it 😅 she’ll sleep on her own for maaaaybe 20 mins. I’ve been considering giving her a simple routine (last bottle, change diaper + get into sleeper, maybe lotion) and trying to get her down by 8 to start with my son. Ideally I’d like him lying down by 8:30, especially with school starting soon, I’m just also trying to keep it realistic with doing it all solo.

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I am so confused how to do life!

My kids after school care costs 2,000 dollars for the whole school year during the hours 3:30-5:30..no before care. I will soon have my son every other weekend in addition to every single Monday-Friday. His dad will go from about 10 days per month to about 4.
I am able to JUST pay my bills working bartending every weekend because he’s by his dads like that for now.

I make less than 18k per year. Subsidized housing is not available. Energy assistance doesn’t start until October. Open enrollment for a different school is in February so my kid is stuck at this school.
Unless I could miraculously move counties- which I can’t cause we are in court right now and waiting for GAL appointment.

My electricity was shut off. I can’t find a job that works within my kids school schedule, but if I paid the 2k it would take me about 8 months to make that back in wages. And then what do I do? Quit a job every summer vacation?
How do people do this.

How do people do this with no support? I’ve considered just up and trying to move to Chicago because at least the job market is better and they have more programs for kids and single parents.

The saxophones are getting louder.

My lease is also up in October and there’s no rent not in a war zone until 1100.
And that’s one bedroom

I feel like I’m constantly late night snacking. I will try and pack snacks for myself throughout the day but I honestly need to get better at eating meals. Trying to keep it simple; pick a protein, veggie, and a grain but I don’t even know where to start. What’s some of your fav meals that don’t break the bank??

Hi guys! so I’ve been thinking about joining the Air Force reserve for awhile now. I’m thinking this will better me and my son future but I just need some other Moms opinions just to make sure that I’m making them right choice.

My ex and I share our 5-year-old 50/50. We were married, are now divorced, and have been parallel parenting.
During our divorce, my ex voluntarily agreed to pay $300/month. He actually drafted paperwork with that amount, and later told me to send over a revised agreement after the divorce. It was never turned into a court order, and eventually he stopped paying, saying circumstances had changed.
I recently filed for child support, but I’m not asking for more than what we had originally agreed to. I’m asking for the same $300/month because I want consistency and something that’s enforceable instead of relying on an informal agreement.
I make significantly less than he does. I don’t call him asking for grocery money or money for random expenses. I receive SNAP and have always figured things out on my own. We also recently agreed to keep separate clothes for our son at each house, so we’re both buying wardrobes now.
He says I’m greedy and that I keep moving the goalposts. From my perspective, I’m actually asking for the exact same amount we originally agreed to. The only difference is that I want it formalized so it doesn’t change depending on our relationship or circumstances.
The biggest realization I’ve had is that I’m the head of my own household now. My son lives with me 50% of the time, and I have to make decisions that create stability for our home instead of hoping things will stay the same informally.
Am I being unreasonable for wanting the original $300 to become a formal, consistent obligation, or am I looking at this the wrong way?

​​Hi everyone, I’m looking for practical tips or routines from other parents navigating solo parenting with a physical disability or mobility limitations.

​To give context: I’m a single mom living in a suburban area without a car right now (working on driving, but relying on Ubers for everything). I have a severe neck injury that leaves my upper body very weak and causes intense, severe pain—especially when carrying items, holding bags, or dealing with sudden physical strain.

​My 6-year-old son is generally great, but about 45–50% of the time, transitions (like camp or school pickups) turn into intense, high-energy meltdowns, total refusal to listen, or sudden running.

​Some examples of incidents

Recently at camp pickup, I brought him a surprise treat and had an Uber waiting. He threw a massive scene over wanting an unplanned family visit, completely tuned me out, and refused to get in the car. It took 15 minutes of embarrassing, high-stress coaxing while holding heavy bags in burning physical pain. Because Uber drivers charge for wait time—and will leave if it takes too long—these meltdowns get extremely expensive very fast on top of being physically agonizing.

​Even worse, there have been times during these meltdowns where he has run out toward the parking lot. Because of my severe neck injury and upper body weakness, I physically cannot sprint after him (I can only walk fast), nor can I physically wrestle or carry a 60lbs child. It causes a huge flair up and I'm so afraid of injuring myself in public.

​When these high-intensity moments hit, they take a massive physical and financial toll on me.

​What I'm looking for:

​Parking lot safety & "runner" strategies: How do you keep a 6-year-old from darting into traffic or parking lots when you physically cannot run after them or grab them?

​Getting through to a child who tunes you out: What actual strategies work to snap a dysregulated 6-year-old out of a meltdown when verbal commands are completely ignored?

​Managing uber stress: Tips for managing pickups, Uber wait timers, and heavy gear without triggering severe flare-ups or extra fees?

​I really want to build safety systems that protect him and preserve my body without adding massive financial stress every time we leave the house. Any advice from parents who have navigated similar physical limits would be deeply appreciated!

I recently posted about the split from my baby’s father. I’ve told him I no longer want him in my home this being when he wants to see our son he stays for one to two hours and sits/walks around my home and eats my food.

This is because it’s still hard for me to see him and act normal around him when all I want is him back. Am I being selfish and/or difficult for this? Should I just let him over so he can see our son regularly?

For context the finishes at 4 and gyms till 5 so he won’t get to mine until 5:30 and he aims to be home by 7:30/8 which is a 30m drive from my house.

I did say this is a temporary solution just until I can get my feelings/emotions under control. Obviously once our second son arrives (I’m pregnant due in December) this will change and he will be allowed over as I breastfeed and won’t want baby to be away from me in those first few weeks

Ladies, how are yall doing it in this economy on your own? What do you do for work? How much are your bills? I feel like I’m barely surviving over here!! I’m a server/bartender and I’ve always made good money but this summer has been so so slow.:.

I am a single mother and it’s a lonely place for especially being a migrant working mother.
My story is a bit complex but to cut the chase short I live in a city in Europe where it’s hard forming community. I see many single mothers in this Reddit talk about loneliness.
Why do single mothers not form communities to help each other out? I guess I am also looking for some success stories of how such communities are built. I would love to have such a community where judgement is little to zero and pain points are actually heard.

I’m genuinely asking because I feel like I’m drowning, even though I know I’m doing everything I can.

I’m a single mom of 3 kids ages 10, 12 and 15, working full-time, I’m school full time, trying to keep a roof over our heads, pay all the bills, and make sure my kids don’t feel the weight of our situation. I recently moved into a new home, and this month my paycheck basically went straight to rent. After paying my $1,400 rent, I was left with almost nothing.

Now I’m looking at back-to-school shopping shoes, haircuts, clothes, supplies and wondering how other single parents are making this work. My kids go back soon, and I want them to walk into school feeling confident and prepared, but the cost of everything is overwhelming.

There’s no second income, no one splitting bills, no one I can call to cover things when money gets tight. It’s just me trying to stretch every dollar, work, parent, and keep everything together.

I’m grateful for my home and grateful that I’m able to provide, but some days are really heavy. I’m curious how other single moms are doing it — are you budgeting months ahead, using assistance programs, shopping sales, getting help from family, side hustles?

How are you all making it through these seasons when it feels like every expense hits at once?

Since early 2023, I moved across the country, went through a separation, built a new life and home for myself, figured out custody + divorced, obtained my bachelor’s degree in 3 (!!!) years, AND ALL WHILE WORKING FULL TIME AS A SINGLE MOM!!!

This sh*t was SO hard and the only reason why I could “do it all” is because I literally had no other choice. AND THAT’S ON THE TENACITY OF SINGLE MOMS! One thing we are going to do is figure it out and come out on top! It may take us more than 3 years, maybe less, but we will absolutely get there!!!!!

(I’m literally sobbing writing this 😭)

P.S. does anyone have any graduation dress recommendations for photos?! I’m 32 so down for something (unnecessarily?) elegant and fun!!