How many divorced or single moms feel happier and better off without the

[NEW2GA]

fathers around.? Just curious is it always a big huge struggle? What is dating like?

[Pink Cowgirl]

I know that had I stayed with my ex-husband I would have been miserable, as well as my son would have been. My ex has some serious parenting issues, and at least with my son living with me the majority of the time, then he has a break from his dads off the wall ways. I know that had I stayed with him and continued to allow him to abuse me, the abuse would have probably gotten worse, and eventually started happening with my son. My ex does not have the patience to raise a child on a full time basis, and at least with him only seeing my son occasionally, he has less of a chance of loosing his temper.

I stayed single until my son was 6. There was a certain peace that I felt not having to answer to anyone and only having myself and my son to take care of or worry about. I did date, and that was hard, with having to find a sitter, wondering when the right time was to introduce my son to him and if he would be the kind of man that would stick around with me having a kid. Luckly I found one who did. I don't think that any newly single mom should be in a hurry to find someone new. Being a single mom has its perks.

[erinjl123456]

My daughters better off without a drunken passed out daddy who can't wake up.

[erinjl123456]

My daughters better off without a drunken passed out daddy who can't wake up.

[Joan]

It was a bit of a struggle at first, but one of the best decisions I ever made.
My ex husband and I divorced in Dec 1999, a few days after my son Lucas' 10th birthday. My ex had had an anger and stress issue for years. Work issues, family problems and the fact that I couldn't give him the big family he wanted (health condition that made carrying a baby life threatening and extremely painful) just made him crack one day. After trying to help and having no success, I just took Lucas and left. Our divorce was finalized in 2002.
Luke had no idea why my ex husband and I got divorced. Through his eyes, his father was God. He could do no wrong, no harm. I use to make sure Lucas was always close by when my ex and I got into arguements because I knew as long as he was there, my ex wouldn't do anything.
After the divorce, my ex stopped contact with not only myself but Lucas as well. Luke was very upset about this and spent weeks crying and being angry with me, wanting to know why I took him away from his Dad. I told him everytime he got upset that We no longer spoke to Dad for a reason and one day, I would explain to him as to why.
For about a year, it was a HUGE struggle. I couldn't handle work, household chores, and my son on my own. Making money, getting Lucas places, helping him with school work, comforting him, making dinner, laundry, food shopping etc. I felt like I was too busy doing everything else and didn't have enough time to just sit and relax with my son like we had in the past. Eventually things started to settle down. I got a routine down, my son started doing things on her own, emotional issues were solved and there was a lot more time to be a family and do things together.
Dating...it was hard to do at first. I wasn't sure exactly "how" to go about doing so, for I had been with my ex since I was 21yrs. I felt like a teenager all over again to tell you the truth...sneaking around so my son wouldn't know, trying to start up a conversation etc.
The first guy I went out with was a set up by a friend. He was divorced as well so we had something garenteed in common lol. We were both really nervous and neither wanted to bring up our divorces to make things "boring". That's what ended up happening anyway but it gave us each a chance to get some things off our chests. After going out a few times and not connecting on that dating level, we decided to be friends. I went on a few dates after that with a few different guys. It was hard and a little uncomfortable at first, but with a little bit of time and getting to know each other, it was easy. I started dating a guy about 2yrs ago and he's fantastic. After dating for 6ms I intoduced him to my son and the two go to baseball and football games all the time.
I am more happier now than I can ever remember being. I have little worries and feel healthy and strong. It's a GREAT feeling. Lucas is now 18yrs and is a handsome, respectful, funny, outgoing, active, smart and happy young man. I KNOW he wouldn't be anything like he is now if my ex and I had stayed together.
Have faith, live everyday to the fullest and take events/issues one at a time.

[ruralpotter]

I left my husband over 15 years ago and have a17 yr old daughter. We have both been much happier, although possibly more broke. She isn't going to miss the clothes she didn't have. She has years of good memories and a safe and stable childhood.
I didn't date. For me, I had too much to do and I wanted to keep her safe. I'm about to date again now though.

[ruralpotter]

I left my husband over 15 years ago and have a17 yr old daughter. We have both been much happier, although possibly more broke. She isn't going to miss the clothes she didn't have. She has years of good memories and a safe and stable childhood.
I didn't date. For me, I had too much to do and I wanted to keep her safe. I'm about to date again now though.