Working full time and solo parenting is destroying my mental health

1w ago1 min read

Going through a separation and I have the kids 4 nights a week. Work is demanding, kids need homework help, dinner, bedtime routine, and I'm barely sleeping. I feel like I'm failing at everything. Snapped at my boss yesterday over something stupid. Can't afford therapy right now and I'm too tired to even think about self care. Just venting because I don't know what else to do at this point.

10 comments144 views

Comments(10)

MMarkRegular1w ago

I know you probably feel like you have to do everything perfectly right now but you don't. Kids just need a parent who shows up even if the homework doesn't get done perfectly.

AAntonioRegular1w ago

That schedule is brutal. Four nights plus full-time work plus homework help is a lot to carry alone. Have you looked into any mental health resources or therapy? Sometimes just talking to someone helps.

GGreg H.New Dad1w ago

Man, that sounds exhausting and I respect you for showing up like that for your kids. Have you thought about dropping some stuff temporarily, even if it feels wrong? Like maybe frozen dinners for a bit or asking the other parent to help with homework on your nights so you can just breathe.

DDanny G.Regular1w ago

Four nights a week solo is no joke, especially with work demanding so much. I've been there and honestly the mental health part has to come first or everything falls apart. Could you carve out even 30 minutes for yourself a few nights, just to decompress?

MMitch R.Regular1w ago

Been doing the co-parenting juggle myself and the burnout is real. Have you talked to your ex about adjusting things temporarily while you get your head above water? Sometimes they'll work with you if you approach it as 'this is affecting the kids too.'

CCarlos M.New Dad1w ago

Four nights a week solo with a demanding job is the kind of schedule that breaks people. Please talk to someone about this. You deserve support and your kids need you functioning. Look into therapy or counseling, and don't be shy about asking for help with logistics.

MMarco R.New Dad1w ago

This right here is the hardest part of separation that nobody talks about. You're splitting yourself three ways between work, parenting, and just surviving. Be gentle with yourself.

MMarco R.New Dad1w ago

Solo parenting four nights a week plus full time work is legitimately brutal. That's not weakness showing, that's reality breaking you down. You need to get support in place now before you hit a wall. Talk to your employer about flexibility if possible, and definitely look into a therapist.

RRonRegular1w ago

This is unsustainable and you know it. You're trying to be everything and it's destroying you. Is there family who can help with homework nights? Can you negotiate work hours? Something has to give because you're not doing anyone favors by running yourself into the ground.

CChristopher M.New Dad1w ago

You're in survival mode and that's not sustainable. Co-parenting aside, you need to protect your mental health here. Talk to your ex about adjusting the schedule if possible, and absolutely get professional support for yourself. This is serious.