How do single moms do it?

I was a single mom, and the father of my child was completely absent, providing no financial support. My parents were my emotional, mental, and financial support. Having extra help makes a big difference. I did argue with my parents sometimes because they would overstep my parenting, but I’m grateful for their support. I don’t know how single moms do it without help. If you have a good support system, it really makes a difference, especially if you’re serious about separating.
I know it’s hard to find time for romance or couple time with kids, work, and household duties. But even spending just 30 minutes talking, drinking coffee, or playing a card game can help with couple time. All the best to you!

Idk how I'm doing it 😅 I've been a single mom since my baby was born and I'm exhausted. Just one task at a time and white knuckling it haha I'm taking care of the baby instead of myself so my health isn't great 🤷‍♀️ but if you were separated and the dad was taking the baby half the time that would give you a decent chunk of time to rest and go to your own health appointments and get other things done. The difficulty for me is having zero help so never having that break or that other person to rely on.

Sending you hugs! I can imagine how HARD it must be, parenting is hard enough with two parents. Yea without help, it can be insane. I don't have family support either, however, like you said, my partner would definitely share so that would help me. I hope things get easier for you and you get some time to focus on you! ❤️

I'm so glad you had supportive parents, it really counts! I don't have any family here but I am counting on my partner to share raising our kid. I don't know I think we just don't have it anymore, we have tried date nights or a common friend intervene, it felt like it worked for a bit and then back to the same thing, sigh. He won't seek professional help, so I think that's all I can do.

I found myself in a similar situation I had a partner but still felt like a single mom. Staying in a relationship while feeling alone didn’t make sense, so I chose to be single and figure things out. Although I now have support from my mom and sister, that wasn’t always the case. I became a single mom when my son was 3 (he’s now 6), and initially, it was tough as I focused on negative emotions. However, as my son grew, I realized he deserved a present and engaged mom.

To make that happen, I prioritized my well-being. I started therapy, exercised to build stamina for my active son, and created a routine that balanced energetic play with quieter activities like coloring, reading, painting, or walks. This approach helped me stay connected with him while managing my energy. I also simplified my cleaning routine and reduced the number of toys, focusing on meaningful, age-appropriate essentials. Building and sticking to these routines allowed me to balance motherhood and self-care.

I also reminded myself that exhaustion is part of life, with or without a child parenting just amplifies it because they depend on us. That’s why prioritizing yourself is so important. Now that my son is older, he understands boundaries and knows I need "me time," just as he enjoys his own.

🙋‍♀️ Single Mumma, who also has some big health challenges. Honestly, you'd be surprised that you just do😅. Building yourself some sort of support system, if not family then friends or a caregiver able and happy to hangout with your LO for a few hours a morning/afternoon/evening while you rest or just have time, aside from your current partner can be a Huge help. Part time childcare outside your home may also be an option and subsidize for some. Wishing you the Very Best with whatever decision you make

So sorry to hear about your situation. Don’t mean to overstep, but have you tried talking to your partner about your feelings? Also, that you are thinking of separating? Raising a child is so exhausting, and sometimes lack of proper communication over a long period of time with your partner becomes the norm, and you just fall into that loop of the daily mundane stuff unfortunately neglecting your relationship with your partner. If therapy is not his thing, maybe try talking to him in a different set up, where he’d be more receptive. I don’t know the details but give it another thought if you can. Involve family if that makes sense in your situation. Without help, it will be very challenging for you given you also have health challenges. Wishing you the best in whatever you decide to choose.