(Part 2) Top products from r/SingleParents

I know that feel. I didn't have the exact same experience but something similar. It's cliche but the saying 'time heals all wounds' does apply. Although you may feel overwhelmed now, you have some AMAZING joys/life experiences ahead of you. If he chooses not to participate, that's his life choice and not something you can control. Focus on what you can do to make life easier for you and your little bump.

Being pregnant and doing this on your own can also be a good thing. Getting pregnant and finding out I was on my own really motivated me to finish my masters degree. I needed to support not just myself but my family now. I got into Columbia University, gave birth the second week of my first semester and finished my MS with nearly straight As and a 2 year old. It wasn't easy, but it was an amazing experience and I think I really value my education and my daughter more because I did it on my own. You find out how strong you are and you can really take pride in that. You should be proud of yourself already, play pens are still hard for me to set up!


Also, this book helped me a lot: http://www.amazon.com/Single-Womans-Guide-Pregnancy-Edition/dp/1451502737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372568263&sr=8-1&keywords=single+guide+happy+pregnancy

There is no easy fix to this. I am almost 30 and struggle with it frequently. Personally for me what helped the most was being in school getting my bachelor's in child and family studies. The degree doesn't do alot if youre looking to make money when youre done but it was heavily focused on self growth and development. Some of the books we read included "parenting from the inside out" "7 habits of highly effective people" (Cliche' I know), and "A man's search for meaning". While these books were useful tools, it helped that the professors I had encouraged people to discuss their lives, struggles, Journal (but constructively, not just your struggles but when you overcome them, and set goals for yourself, document your downfalls and triumphs and review when youre down) and to stay off of social media. Unplug completely. this is something I still do when I feel overwhelmed with being a single parent. Also I know it is hard but if you can have your little one help with all the mundane stuff (like housework) it can help make it a sharing moment rather than I need to get this done moment. (I personally struggle with that from time to time, I don't know if you do). I am sorry youre struggling, please keep your head up. you will raise a strong woman and when she is older you are allowed to have fun with her while all those friends will be raising babies.

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https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Inside-Out-Self-Understanding-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B00HZ1E5BM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Q560RPRBOPQZ&keywords=parenting+from+the+inside+out+book&qid=1556573094&s=gateway&sprefix=parenting+from+the%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=17U8X5LTV3VED&keywords=victor+frankl+man%27s+search+for+meaning&qid=1556573116&s=gateway&sprefix=victor+fra%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful-ebook/dp/B01069X4H0/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3JN0J6CGL5KOP&keywords=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people&qid=1556573140&s=gateway&sprefix=7+ha%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-3

You're wonderful. I'm a single mom and it's tough, I wish you all the luck. Some books I've found- based in the age of her kids.

Honest toddler:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Honest-Toddler-Childs-Parenting/dp/1476734771

Toddlers are A**holes:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0990592898/ref=pd_aw_fbt_b_img_2?refRID=143CABN3JSCS68Q317QX

Single mothers survival guide:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Single-Mothers-Survival-Guide/dp/1580910637

One more:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0595397522/ref=pd_aw_sbs_2?pi=SL500_SY115&simLd=1

Is this going to be anonymous? If not, ask to borrow her car one day. Say yours is in the shop. Fill it up with gas, wash it, change the oil, whatever you can afford to do.

If she has things on layaway, go pay them off.

These are mostly all monetary things, I know, but it sounds like she may be struggling a bit on that end.

Nominate her or put her name in for draws, raffles, anything. I know the radio stations here sometimes have a week where you can nominate someone awesome for whatever. This could be a good way to do things anonymously.

If you are close to the friend, you can do little things through her. Get her a gift certificate for something, have the friend say she won it and won't use it.

Good luck!!

>It all depends on my mood at the time.

This is going to send very mixed signals to your child. Consistency is important. I would recommend some parenting classes/coaching, I know there are several free resources where I live. For books, SOS Help for Parents is very basic but was helpful to me.

Parenting with two parents isn't easy, either. I would focus on educating yourself about parenting and discipline techniques, and find what feels right to you.

I say this as a (now) single parent to three kids who was raised in a very abusive environment. I am worlds better at parenting than I was 7 years ago, because I have worked hard to change from what I was taught was 'normal'. My best advice is, if it doesn't feel right to you, it probably isn't.

That you are posting here is a great sign, just educate yourself and you'll find what works for you and your family.

>Does this ever get easier to figure out??

Sounds like you figured it out pretty easily.

If someone asks about your family, you name the people you love. If you're feeling generous, you also include the people that you wish you could bring yourself to love. It doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

If your daughter is concerned about it, this book would probably be worth buying. It's below grade level for an 8 year old, but it speaks directly to the matter in a way she can easily understand.

This book lifted a lot from me. I've been right where you are, it gets easier and better. Stay strong. Sending hugs


https://www.amazon.com/Forgive-When-Dont-Feel-Like/dp/0736921486

She needs firm boundaries.

My daughter is like this too. And if you're like me, you're having a hell of a time some days even getting dressed much less putting dinner on the table and dealing with all the things.

Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child

This book helped me immensely. They want to know that when you say something you mean it. They will constantly test those boundaries. And your nerves. But it gets better. Sometimes she believes me when I tell her I'm going to set the timer if she doesn't stop doing X. And then I don't even have to set the timer because she already knows mom means business.