Parenting alone

Moderator’s note: This was originally posted in another thread, but I’ve moved it to start a new discussion topic.

How many single parents do we have out there? I mean, truly single - without a boyfriend, girlfriend, or other adult companion to provide that security and comfort only another adult can offer? I’ve been single for over seven years now, and it’s one of my biggest challenges I face as I raise a bright only child with ADHD. His father remarried fairly quickly, and just about everyone we encounter is either married or has a significant other.

I’ve also learned that single parents are not necessarily desireable dating candidates. You would think a single dad would be more sympathetic and loving, but apparently they are not above lying, cheating, and other selfish-self-serving behaviors. The most alarming aspect of this is the fact that kids of such adults will probably grow up to mirror that behavior.

My son asked me recently if I liked being the boss all the time. I thought for a moment, then said, “no, I wish I could meet a man who would love both of us, and who could share the decision making with me now and then, so I could be taken care of once in a while. It’s hard to be the only one who has to make all the decision.” He answered me, “I thought so. Don’t worry, mom, you’ll find someone to love us, and he’ll be nice, too.”

So single parents, what hardships really bring you down? What are your gripes about being single and a single parent?