Single Parenting Advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have custody and child support worked out through the courts? Do that now so that you don't have to worry about it in the future.

Other than that, go easy on yourself. Do the best you can, and realize that you and your child will be just fine. It's hard to be a single parent (my child is 7 now, I've been single since he was 10mo), but it gets easier as they become more independent. I'm not sure what to expect of the teen years, but I'm sure we'll be just fine.

This is important. Even if you don't think your ex will ever pay any support, it is easier to get paternity settled now rather than later (he may move and you may not be able to find him. Some people will say not to list him anywhere and not to establish paternity (so that he can have any visitation). However, whether paternity is established now or at a later date, he will get some visitation if he asks for it in court. It is very easy for him to establish paternity at a later date. I would go ahead that get that out of the way. Get the state to file for the child support enforcement. Even if you think you don't need the money, put it in a savings account for college or something. Better yet, use that child support money to treat yourself to babysitters now and then so you don't get burnt out.

We went to court a few months ago. He gave me physical custody over her but wants visitation (which he always had.) He was offered a schedule that allowed him to have more time with her but he reduced the time. My attorney was very frustrated and from my understanding, his attorney was frustrated as well. I'm waiting on the hearing date for the child support now. It's just been a lot of games... Definitely tiring. But I'm trying to just be upbeat about it and remind myself not to focus on his actions. I just need to focus on myself and be positive so I can keep moving forward.

[JennyNordstrom]

Another single parent here, I live on Capitol Hill with my 9 year old daughter. One thing that has really helped me it to live with others -- three years ago, my cousin and her husband moved in with me, and it has been so incredibly different and helpful having other adults around!

With all that said, they actually just bought a house and are moving on, and so I'm looking for new roommates. I'd love to find another single parent to live with, if any of you are in the market! I created a post about the situation, or feel free to contact me directly at divabiker67 at gmail dot com.

Thanks!

Jenny