Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 22:28     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Where is their father, divorce doesn't stop you from reaching out to him so you two can support each other raise your kids. Be good co-parents.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 22:16     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Babysitter
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 20:25     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I guess what I’m hoping for is a kids night out type thing but during the day. Why are they all at night. Play dates are a good solution.


This is not likely to give you the break you want, plus it’s not fair to expect childcare for free. Why won’t you hire a babysitter?
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 19:58     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Unless you can find something free through a church, kids night out stuff often isn’t that much cheaper than a sitter. They are often tied to you already benign part of something — so a dance school might do one once a year, etc.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:52     Subject: Re:How do single parents get a break?

Since this was sudden and unexpected, you may be feeling overwhelmed right now, but I think you’ll adjust. I’d suggest hiring sitters as needed for now. I think over time both you and your kids will adjust to your new situation and you’ll find ways to get everything done. Your kids will also continue to become more independent as they get older, and that will make everything easier.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:32     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

OP here. I guess what I’m hoping for is a kids night out type thing but during the day. Why are they all at night. Play dates are a good solution.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:30     Subject: Re:How do single parents get a break?

Find another parent in same situatin, and take turns watching each other's kids.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:28     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Join a gym with childcare!
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:27     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Screens.

Sunday school but it is an hour.

I get up much than my kids do to get chores out of the way. Do things like grocery pick up to save time. Involve them in things like laundry, they can help fold towels and match socks while you watch a movie.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:26     Subject: Re:How do single parents get a break?

When DS was 10 and under I got a babysitter for four hours every Sunday, and then as needed for other things. It was expensive but worth it. I actually worked a second remote job because I didn’t get child support at the time. I’ve always had 100% custody and like you didn’t have family or friends to rely on.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:24     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

Anonymous wrote:I am suddenly and unexpectedly a single parents to two elementary age kids. I work full time and have no family nearby or other reliable village. While I work on longer term solutions, are there drop in classes or events on the weekend that last more than an hour? I’m already overwhelmed and really need a few hours over the weekend to manage life things so I can be a good parent to my kids. I’m in DC and obviously driving a distance defeats some of the purpose. Thank you.


You hire a babysitter. You try to coordinate your kids having sleepovers at the same time to get a night off without paying a babysitter. You swap with a friend. You fly family in if you can/need to for a specific reason.

How old are your kids?
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:24     Subject: Re:How do single parents get a break?

Anonymous wrote:Baby sitter

How old are your kids

Sorry I see elementary school.

Playdates
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:23     Subject: Re:How do single parents get a break?

Baby sitter

How old are your kids
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:23     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

lol
we don’t.
Anonymous
Post 04/17/2024 17:20     Subject: How do single parents get a break?

I am suddenly and unexpectedly a single parents to two elementary age kids. I work full time and have no family nearby or other reliable village. While I work on longer term solutions, are there drop in classes or events on the weekend that last more than an hour? I’m already overwhelmed and really need a few hours over the weekend to manage life things so I can be a good parent to my kids. I’m in DC and obviously driving a distance defeats some of the purpose. Thank you.