Its so sad that there are so many single moms out there - real men are becoming more scarce. I just cannot comprehend how you run out on kids

Respect to the single parents for putting their children first.In my book, you are the real Heroes.

Knowing and reading some of the challenges some ladies go through.. I think I am beyond blessed. Yes got divorced and raised my kids alone.

Yes it has not always been a easy road raising my kids alone from the ages 6 and 12.. my youngest just turned 25.

Finances was a struggle at first, at one point in my life had 3 jobs at once. But we managed to get through that better and stronger people.

Neither of my kids have severe life threating conditions, neither of them are drinkers, jollers or habitual drug users.. they never fell into that horrible social traps, thank fully. And for that I am greatful, I know parents that go through stuff and that is heart breaking to see them struggle through that.

My daughter found her way into the corporate world fast after school as she always had weekend and holiday jobs, she was quiet a little money making machine even from a young age.and with no real challenges. She made it right to the top with by hard work and sticking it out.

My son the other hand is still finding his foothold. He always worked since the age of 16(Jip did not finish school, he wanted to be grown up) currently doing his Co2 tradesmanship he is pretty damn good. Having had no official qualifications always placed him in the lower income brackets, hopefully after that the world will be a better kinder place work wise.

Had the normal chalanges through teen age years, I don't think there is one teenager that does not act up at some point and make us want to pull out our hair.. I know I did that to my parents too.

But all and all I can't complain to much. As I said I am blessed my kids love me to bits and I love them. I was a young mom and we are friends not just mom and kids.

To all the single mom's and dad's out there. Even those not single.

You are doing great, someone might not tell you that everyday and it might feel like you are going through things alone.

This thread just proves that we are never alone, the only thing we need to do is pick up a phone and talk to another mom or dad that goes through raising there kids alone. Or that are having similar difficulties as you.

Our fear of being judged as patents often keeps us from having emotional support when it is all around us if we need it.

My toughest was a teenage son suffering from depression and being suicidal. I talk openly to him about it and let him know that I have felt what he feels and I know how hard it is. I said boy, all I ask is that you not feel ashamed of what you feel and that you come tell me when this feeling comes. I can't promise to relieve it but I can help you with perspective and to not let it overwhelm you.

To be honest I have not compartmentalised it mentally yet because it is an ongoing struggle that we deal with when the train arrives :)

I think as parents we face many problems, disappointments etc. But this is the pits for me because it is a life long disease for some.

@lesley I've discovered recently that restorative yoga help with depression and is a very healing practice of rest and restore that could be beneficial to you're son and self and maybe do a beginner restorative yoga practice together and see how he feel afterward if he's open to it.

you tube for beginner restorative yoga practices .
All the best

Had to deal with my son smoking weed and losing 95 percent of his eyesight in one eye due to a sporting accident. Emotional roller-coaster after that
But reading the thread..stil so much to be thankful for.

Have learnt that being there for your kids when they need to talk, showing a real interest in what they are telling you, not judging them for their mistakes, but helping them 'figuring out" whats the "right way" is best you can do.

If you show that you trust them, they will in most cases, not wanting to betray your trust. You will still have your differences, but nothing the 2 of you can't overcome.

Respect to each and every one of you.

How you Handel the situation at home only you can decide as you are the only one dealing with it.

There are people qualified to assist but with the way the economy is going might not be that easy.


All I can say is no mother will not give her best yet many kids have no respect in what they say or do be strong and keep going.

My son was bullied at school and I didn't know about it. He got depressed and withdrawn. It was a difficult time but thankfully with a lot of support from family and the school we got through it.

Thank goodness you ladies have taken depression seriously. My cousin was depressed in '99 and nobody listened to him and he committed suicide.

I've since had depression myself and I can't imagine having depression and teenage angst and the social nightmare that highschool can be.