Sometimes I can't believe I am a single parent

Sometimes I know I always was even when still married

Sometimes its hard, sometimes you're emotions are in tatters,

Sometimes its relentless

But one thing is for sure

ITS NEVER EASY !!

Its so much more than just single responsibility for your child

Its the nights when they are restless, no one can give you a break, so you become tired, then cranky finally exhausted and strung up so tight you can feel yourself ready to snap

Its the days when they come to you, their school uniform old and grubby and you worry how you are going to fund a whole new outfit, when its only your small income to cover it.

Its when your child is ill and there is no one to sit with you and tell you everything is going to be ok, just hang on in there, I'll share the load  of worry with you.

The times when you are just so exhausted from the stress of it all that you wish someone was sitting with you as the house is quiet at night, the children in bed and you are still sat up trying to do the sums for who you will pay for everything that week

Its when you look at your life and you suddenly realise that your life is that of constantly running around after your child, with no time out available to you.

Its the days when you wake up feeling ill, but knowing if you don't take them to school. Who else is going to?

The times when you have to make a big choice with your child, and there is no one around with you to help lead and encourage them to not only make their choice but support and nurture them down that path.

Its the times when you sit with your head in your hands, as you're sons/daughters are arguing again, wishing someone else could step in and put an end to their bickering for a change.

Its the days when everyone around you is celebrating Fathers Day and you're children are sulky, angry and full of hatred.

Its when your child is low and feeling inadequate, yet you have nothing left in you to pick them up and calm their fragile spirits

For some like me, its listening to the children, as they stress and worry at any comparisons in either temperament or appearance they may have to their father.

But sometimes, its just the small things, for instance the times, when you just need a break, a 20 minute walk around the block just to clear your head, but you know you can't because there is no one around to sit with the children.

I could keep going and going, I'm sure there are a lot of things that many other single mums can add to this list.

But I did come to one BIG conclusion

IS IT WORTH IT??????

YOU BET !!!!!!!

My children may exhaust me, frustrate me, antagonise me, argue with me, disrespect me, infuriate me........
But those hugs when they say:
I Love You Mum
I'm so sorry Mum
I didn't mean it Mum......

The smiles on their faces as they are free to be confident in the love you have for them
The change in the life that you once had as you look back and see the radical difference in them from the happy and safe child they are now to the insecure and frightened child you once knew......

Oh Yes !!!!! Its certainly worth it!!