What usually suffers in your life

[excited30]

Due to being a single parent, we are the wearer of many many 'hats' every day.  Stretched to the limit a lot and required to care for everything in the household, what is the thing for you in life that usually suffers?

For me, it's finances.  I used to be really really good at budgeting and finances, etc... but for some reason looking at them just keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the pile.  It's either that or cleaning MY room.  I'm really working to improve both, but am not getting very far.  It seems that I get to the end of my day, checking off important things on my to-do list, and have not made it very far with either 

What is it for you?

[20thirteen]

Finances definitely took a nose dive. I was never good at budgeting but I was at a point where I was getting much better at it. And then diapers cost more than I thought. Daycare costs so much. I ended up taking money out of savings and pretty much lost all $6,000 that I had save up over the year prior.

And cleaning for me, too. I try to muster the energy to make the house look less like a disaster area, and I never feel like I get anywhere so I end up giving up.

It's so funny you brought this up. At work they sent out an email about budgeting and how to get started... I just printed out the paperwork!!

[helenahhandbasket]

Finances for sure-- this is the first time in my life I have had to live alone/ make a budget/ stick to it and I am having a hard time.

Also, I would have to say my social life has taken a huge hit.

[becwheat]

I would not say anything suffered from me being a single parent. Finances were tighter, but we were far from suffering and I know plenty of married partners is similar or worse financial straights than I was.

The one area that was harder to organize besides money was extras. Like going to the movies, getting my hair done, new clothing for me. I was single, but dressed like I had been married for 30 years lol. Which is why I found someone who thinks I am beautiful with a hoodies, soft pants and a ponytail.

[ontherock2012]

Definitely cleaning.it feels like I'm forever doing laundry, other stuff just takes longer to get to.
Finances haven't been too bad. I started saving the second I got my BFP. Daycare and all the other kid related stuff is expensive, but we're doing ok. I've only bought 2 or 3 pairs if shoes in the last couple of years instead of 30. I started wearing scrubs to work instead if real clothes, so not much bought there either.
Obviously my retail therapy has suffered. Oh, and exercise. Gone are the days of working out 1-2 hrs a day.sleep has become much more important.

You know what, I wouldn't change a thing. Life before DD hardly seems real anymore.

[20thirteen]

Feb 5, 2015 12:13:11 GMT -5 helenahhandbasket said:

Also, I would have to say my social life has taken a huge hit.

LOL @ social life. What's that?

[bullybutt]

Social life, exercise, spending money willy nilly. I feel like I am broke all the time. Child support hasn't kicked in. He thinks that he doesn't/shouldn't have to pay for it (rolls eyes). He has no clue what it takes to raise/pay for children.

[irismorning]

My social life takes the biggest hit. My kids are involved in a lot. I do not have any family nearby, so my kids are pretty much with me all of the time. I am also stuck in the house by 7:00 every night (bedtime). I would not change a thing though!

[tig594]

Finances for sure since DD sucks every extra penny up. All the important bills get paid on time, though, so for that I am thankful. But we have very few extras.

What's suffered the most, though? Probably my mental health. Don't get me wrong. I adore DD and love spending time with her. But after work/cooking/laundry/yard work/quality DD time there is nothing left for me.

[emmaswan]

Cleaning, sleep, and to a certain extent, finances (not awful but definitely not as good as they were when XH and I were together).

[luvmybundle]

Social life. My dd is always with me. Every now and then I'll have a babysitter but it's hard to go enjoy a night out because she's so used to being with me at night and won't sleep without me.
Clean house. It isn't dirty, but there's always something out of place. I don't let it bother me anymore and if anyone comes here and judges me about it, they dont need to come visit lol.
My appearance. I've been looking rather homely for a long time. I finally got my hair and toes done and a few times I've gone out of the house feeling attractive. Most days those it's tights and a shirt with easy access for breastfeeding.
But I still have way more that I'm thankful for. I just chalk this up to new mommyhood. Everything will work itself out.

[arb213]

For me, I feel my dating life has suffered. I'm so busy these days between therapy for myself, exercising, taking my DD to her counseling, applying and looking for jobs, running errands, etc.

Luckily DD's father is a great, responsible and involved dad (just a dickhead, cheating spouse). She splits her time between the two of us and even so, I have like no time for dating. I went on a dating website online and all the men I've talked to/gone on dates with are super psycho stalkers or just 40 year old losers living in their sisters basement. I feel my time would be better spent working on myself, caring for my daughter and finding a job that will allow me to move out of my parents house and finally be on my own

[20thirteen]

May 26, 2015 12:28:44 GMT -5 arb213 said:

 I feel my time would be better spent working on myself, caring for my daughter and finding a job that will allow me to move out of my parents house and finally be on my own

That sounds like a good plan.

Also, your avatar... are you from Chi?  I meant to ask you before, because I live near there (used to live there when BD and I were together)

[arb213]

May 29, 2015 8:01:52 GMT -5 20thirteen said:

May 26, 2015 12:28:44 GMT -5 arb213 said:

 I feel my time would be better spent working on myself, caring for my daughter and finding a job that will allow me to move out of my parents house and finally be on my own

That sounds like a good plan.

Also, your avatar... are you from Chi?  I meant to ask you before, because I live near there (used to live there when BD and I were together)

Yes! Born and raised Specifically, north burbs. Where are you located?

[20thirteen]

arb213, LOL northwest burbs these days. I grew up in the burbs, lived in the city for a short while and then moved back. Haha

Are you a hockey fan? Have you been watching the Hawks at all?

[arb213]

Jun 1, 2015 7:43:03 GMT -5 20thirteen said:

arb213, LOL northwest burbs these days. I grew up in the burbs, lived in the city for a short while and then moved back. Haha

Are you a hockey fan? Have you been watching the Hawks at all?

Yay for more Chicagoans!

My parents and sister are HUGE Hawks fans. I can't get into hockey but still, I say GO HAWKS!!

[20thirteen]

arb213, hockey is the only sport I've ever been able to watch. LOL I'll always root for Sweet Home Chicago, but I could never watch any other sport. Just doesn't hold my attention. But hooray for Chicagoans!

[arb213]

Jun 2, 2015 7:54:46 GMT -5 20thirteen said:

arb213, hockey is the only sport I've ever been able to watch. LOL I'll always root for Sweet Home Chicago, but I could never watch any other sport. Just doesn't hold my attention. But hooray for Chicagoans!

For me, my sport is basketball (as evidenced by my avatar). I still can't get over the firing of Tom Thibodeau. I thought he was pretty great.

I will be watching tomorrow night when the Hawks square off. They are playing Tampa, right? Go Hawks!!!