Single parent... how do you cope?

Philippines
July 14, 2008 7:26pm CST
I have just been widowed February of this year. Everything seems to be fine, except on some instances like today wherein my daughter is sick. I know things could have been different if her mother is still here taking care of her. Then there are other matters that needs decisions, I'm use to asking my wife for an opinion, even when I already have a decision. When reality strike, it's really hard to think that I'm already on my own now. Any single parents here? How do you cope?
5 responses
@shinymood (405)
• China
20 Jul 08
Hi,roysville. I'm sorry to hear your loss and i know how hard it is for you to lose your dear wife. I have a five-month-old daughter too. My husband is very busy and he only sees our daughter 3 or 4 times after her birth. I have my mom to help me and even so, it is very tiring job. Parenting is never easy, not to mention single one. I wonder if you might ask help from your family or swap help with friends or neighbours. Hope you all the best and take care!
• Philippines
23 Jul 08
Hi shinymood! Sorry for the very late reply, as I have been having trouble with the internet connection lately. I do have help from my family every now and then, and I'm not really the type who shouts help to my friend. So far, I've been able to manage. Things are hard, I admit, but I know I have to make do with what I can. Thanks for replying.
@weng_08 (282)
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
Hello, sorry about your loss. My mom was a single parent too and I must say that she did it well. There were times that it was difficult, not having a father (though he came to visit from time to time), but I eventually learned to accept things as they were, and I guess I can say that I grew up knowing exactly what I wanted. I believe that made me stronger, independent and driven. It is important to remind your child that she is loved...that no matter what, you'll be there for her. I know it won't be easy, but that's life and that is your battle. It would just depend on how you'd wrestle it. I'm sure you'd do well. Have a great day!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
Hi weng, thank you for those words of encouragement. I appreciate it. I sure hope I'll do well. Thanks for replying.
• Bahamas
15 Jul 08
hi roy! I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, please accept my sincerest condolences. As a single mother i can understand how you must feel having to parent alone. Do not underestimate your ability to take care of your daughter alone, my dad was a single parent and he raised three kids {i think he did a good job}. It is hard raising kids when you have a partner, and all the more so when you're doing it alone. Just remember you will make mistakes, but as long as you have your daughters best intrest at heart you'll get through this. All the best. {{{HUGS}}}
1 person likes this
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
Thanks dragongly242! Well, I'm having difficulties at times. But since I have no one here beside me, I really have to make do with I can. I only wish that there would be less mistakes. Thanks for the response.
@ayessa (1583)
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
Im sorry to her that about your wife. And please do take care of your daugther. It is really hard to be a single parent. I may not be one of them but I saw my mom struggle for us. She even doubled her time just to feed us and to take care of us. Im sure that your daughter will soon appreciate everything that you are doing for her. Goodluck!
• Philippines
15 Jul 08
I'm taking care of her, the best I could. Honestly though, I feel that single mothers are more tougher than single fathers when it comes to raising family. I've seen lots of them. I wonder how they manage it. Thanks for the response.
@singlemommy (2955)
• United States
16 Jul 08
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I'm a single mother and it is very hard at times when you don't have anyone to turn to and ask "what do you think?", etc. I also find it hard to find time for "just me". I love my children so much, but sometimes I wish I could just have someone here to say, do you care if I go for a drive alone or go for a walk and you keep the kids for a few minutes. I try to keep my sanity by doing the little things like myLot, etc. They give me a chance to take my mind away and relax it in a sense. I also like to play games online. I think those little things help me alot, but they will never make life any easier.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
16 Jul 08
Hi singlemommy! It's really difficult to have no one beside whom we can ask opinion from, that's why we have to be sure that everything we do is right. It can be a little stressful at times I know, fortunately there's mylot to give a break (lol) thanks for the reply.