I am 31 year old single mom and a need a lttile bit of advice.... I have gone through some trying times with my son's father, as a result he had voulunterly terminated his parental rights, so I receive no support, I have depended on my family for support and I do not want to rely on them anymore, I have a job, it is just hard for me to suport the two of us... Any advice of what direction to take???? I work full time and was going to look into another job, so maybe I could support the two of us, but I am afraid of what that might do to my two year old son

Kristie31,
Hello and welcome to single parent family. I'm 36 and a single mother of three children. Your childs dad giving up his rights to the child might be the best thing for you and your child. My youngest childs dad signed his rights away Nov.6,2003 in court because he didn't want to pay anymore childsupport. That was the best thing for us since he wasn't in her life anyways. Does he do anything for your child? Has he been supporting your child since birth? If not then you are better off by him giving up his rights. You can make it. If you think you need another job then get one to make ends meat. Take care and god bless you and your child. I hope that I have helped you.
Maywset

Kristie,
I am also a single mom, I have 5 children. I was married for 12 years to an abusive man. It took me 8 years to realize I could call what he was doing to me abuse. Three years ago I knew I needed to leave but I didn't have the resources to do so, so I went back to school. After completing prerequisite courses I applied for a two year associate degree nursing program and got accepted. The final week of my LPN year I came home from school to discover my husband had been arrested for abusing teenage girls. In the end he was sentenced and is going to spend a very long time in jail. Now I am left on my own, trying to complete school and my family (who are very supportive) live in another city. I know making the changes necessary to support your child is very tough and very lonely. In the end it will be worth it and with the support of your family your son will sail through it smoothly too, just keep your priorites straight. I have realized not having "the father" around is actually a blessing. You will be able to provide a more stable environment and have more control over the values your child will be taught and he won't grow up thinking that husbands are suppose to degrade their wives, you can teach him different and break the cycle of abuse that is so often perpetuated. Hang in there don't be afraid to rely on people you trust so that you can make a better life for your little family and during the really tough times do something to take care of yourself.