Single mothers: What do you do when you don't have an outlet or a support system?

I am a single mom to a two y.o. This was an unplanned pregnancy and the father is not involved at all. My dilemna is that I need a break and I have no one to help me. My parents live out of state and I don't have girlfriends that I can ask to watch the baby. I really can't afford a babysitter either and then I have a roommate so a babysitter might feel awkward in that situation anyway. My child is a typical 2 y.o. (I think) and can really wear me down with all the crying and screaming and whining. Any clue as to what I can or should do to relieve stress?

Answers:
I too am a single mother, and don't have a lot of support either. One place you might check is to see if your community has a local Parents Without Partners chapter, that way you can meet other people in the same boat. These groups have outings, babysitting etc. www.parentswithoutpartners.org

Another thing to look into would be sometimes daycares offer parents night out for a few extra bucks.

I dont know what to tell you except thats something that shouldve beenn thought about when becoming a single mother. Can't the roommate give you a break? sometimes they have these kid watch centers. You can drop your kid off for a few hours , like a big babysittingplace where other kids can go, you pay them by the hour.
when my kids sleep I do crafts to let my brain wind down or write in their journals. I have a journal for each year of their life
goodluck

Some church groups offer parents night out. Babysitting is free and completely supervised. The kids have a good time away from mom and mom can have a kid free night (a couple of hours usually).

Good luck

check the ymca or the newspaper, or maybe even the bulletin board in your local grocery store. hopefully, you will find play groups or support groups for moms. join one!! there are other parents in your situation in your area. when you get to know some of the other parents well enough, perhaps you can exchange babysitting duties, and you and your little one will have found friends. its the start of a support system. good for you for recognizing you need one. you are in a tough situation. but you have been strong enough to make it this far, so keep going! good luck!!!!!!!!

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Single mothers: What do you do when you don't have an outlet or a support system?

Pregnancy & Parenting