advice needed - new single parent

[daxzen]

my 33 year old daughter has just  been abanadoned by her partner leaving her with a 16 month old (apprentice allotment slave)

we are very close and will give her the support she needs but I'd appreciate
any practical advice and insights from those who have been there and got the tea shirt.

dax

[daxzen]

[saddad]

Sorry to hear that Dax  >:(

[lushy86]

Oh poor thing thats awful.  It happened to me and my biggest bit of advice is to make sure she enjoys her child, for me the situation was so messy and I was an emotional wreck.  I look back now and realise that I missed out on enjoying my daughter when she was really little because I was so worried about everything.  But things do change, she's a good kid, 15 now and I'm happy in my relationship - Things will get better.

Lushy x

[shirlton]

Its difficult to be on your own after having a partner. My advice would be to make sure that she doesn't go into another relationship on the rebound. Happens to so many when they find themselves on their own. Good that she has a loving family around her.

[caroline7758]

On the practical side and with my CAB hat on, she should put in a claim for Child support and, if she has been claiming any benefits or tax credits, let them know about her change of circumstances as soon as possible or if not, see whether she can claim now.

[Pomona]

If she has a Sure Start or Children's centre nearby, they are fantastic for offering practical and emotional support and advice for parents of under fives.

From my own experience, I would say not to let the little one get caught in the crossfire. Even though it was hard at times, i tried not to say anything negative about my ex to the children- I saw so may children used as weapons. It was hard but it paid off in the end.

[daxzen]

its so sad

thanks for the comments and insights

dax

[saddad]

Hi Pomona, Welcome to A4A  :)