I am a 23 year old single mom of a 2 year old boy. I work from home so that I can spend more time with my son. However, my ex-husband is basically a deadbeat (to put it lightly) and never spends time with his son. This means I never get a break. I had been paying a girl to watch my son a few times a week so I would have a break for a few hours, but she is going away for the summer. My family says they are "too busy" to watch my son most of the time, or are only willing to watch him for very short periods of time. I feel like I am not able to be the mom I want to be to my son because I never get a break and am so stressed out. It seems like no one wants to help me. The main reason I need someone to watch my son is because I ride horses and have recently been asked to work a few horses for extra cash. It is so frusturating because horses are what I love but I am not able to do anything for myself. I also could really use this extra cash. Does anyone have any suggestions? I feel bad asking people to watch my son, but at the same time I really need someone to help me out a little. I guess I am mainly just venting here, I am just so bummed. I look at other people who have so much freedom to do things they want to do and get so upset because I cant do anything for myself. This is just so hard being a single mom.

I wish I could offer you advice, but I have actually had to offer money to my relatives to get the few hours that you too are looking for. Hopefully someone else will have a good suggestion, but all I can offer is some empathy because most of the time I'm in the same boat--only I work out of my home.

Maybe you could try finding another single mom to swap babysitting with, she can watch your son and in exchange you watch her child.. I am lucky most of my friends have kids and we always swap.

I know how you feel Erin. I'm 18 and a single mom of 4 year old triplets, and one on the way. I'm still in high school too and I work full time. So I have major empathy for you. I'm luvky because now my girls are finallyold enough to go to school, so it has been much easier. Have you thought of maybe meeting some other moms and starting a play group or somthing like suprmom said. I was lucky that I had support from my family and 2 older sisters to help watch my girls, it sucks that you don't have the family support. We're here if need be you know you'll always have someone to chat with anyway, if nothing else!

Erin I too feel for you. I know it is rough. I don't think there are to many of us getting much of a break from the kids.
I too love horses and worked with them for many years. I desperately miss it but have to many kids to work with them now. I am just waiting for the youngest to get old enough. There are a few times I take them with me but getting all the horses ready for them is so much work sometimes its just not worth it. By the time we are ready to go I am pooped.
Good luck I hope you find the help you need.
God bless.

Thanks for all your empathy and help. My passion in life is horses, I already gave it up once when I got married and then had my son. I feel like I am fighting to keep my dreams alive and no one cares or wants to lend a hand. I work out of my home (I am fortunate enough to be a resident manager of two apartment complexes so I can do everything with my son) so I never get a break. Add a non-existant ex and I really never get a break! Most of the people I know who have kids work full time during the day and are exhausted by the time they get home. Or they have amazing family/partner support. I'll get through this, I am just feeling the pressure of stress getting to me.

I hear you erin. I am a single mom of 4 kids. Sometimes I think I am going to totally lose it. My kids will be going to visit their dad this summer. I am looking forward to a little bit of a break. Otherwise they are all mine. At least with summer coming they are spending a lot of time outside. So this is my alone, relaxing time--seeing what's happening with all of you!