Quote by Choochie
said i would hold your hand darlin!!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Quote by Resonance
I don't think the legal system should serve the wishes of mothers or fathers in instances like this.
The needs of the children should ALWAYS come first. I think that is the ideal they work to, but the process is entirely skewed in my view.
Any parent worth their salt would entirely agree with this, over legal point scoring and petty squabbles with their former partner. For some of the more selfish, I always wonder if they want custody of their children because they want to be their guiding light in life, or simply to "get one over" their former partner. It's somewhat sick to see the legal system fully exploits this lucrative market for misery.
I've been the 'primary care giver' (utterly, utterly facile, trite and soulless words, but politically correct, so I am informed) for both our kids as I work from home alone most of the time. There are times when a life filled of soiled nappies, The Tweenies, removing porridge from the dogs fur and vomit from your own ears, drives you to distraction and you can long for any semblance of adult company. And I have had the support of a lovely wife throughout that entire time who always did her fair share when she got home, if not more so, making things much easier for me.
How some people cope alone is beyond me. But I have nothing but total admiration for those who do it successfully.
I know when I had the kids on my own, I felt out of the loop when it came to baby groups, or even taking the child to the shops or out somewhere. This is mainly because all the facilities for babies are female orientated. I couldn't go into the female toilet to change the baby for example (and there is no way I'd even contemplate changing a baby in a male public toilets) and although there are several baby groups in the area, they are all "mum and tots" groups. I'm a dad, so I felt really at odds even contemplating going along to these groups. I realise the balance is changing slightly now but that was my experience. However it is far removed from that of the single parent who has nobody to share the workload with and my situation was far easier on me than theirs is to them.

Quote by fem_4_taboo
i actually think that it should not cost if either parent ha to go to court regarding gaining access to their children.
its disgusting that some people can not actually afford to go to court, now i know some will say if they really want to see the kids they will pay whatever it costs.
but seriousely you should not have to pay.
x fem xx

Quote by fem_4_taboo
humm if only alldads were gooduns and wanted to see their kids ehh.
i raised 2 completely alone, no family around, you just do cope cause you have to, some quiet and not so quiet sobs when alone. oh and work, great to see other adults who dont want to talk about nappies etc.
these days its alot better with childrens centres around.
xx fem xx

Quote by noladreams
:thumbup:
Absolutely Mark - I think that this place takes perseverance... but it's worth it. Well, it has been in my experience anyway. I've had heaps of fun and made some great friends.

Quote by Freckledbird
No, they aren't all seen that way. You'd be surprised how difficult it is for single females actually.
cheers webster, I really appreciate that sentiment. From reading the other posts here, people do seem to have an openess and lack of pretence that you rarely find with more uptight people.
I don't want to rush in to anything, I do want to develop a circle of friends on here and to just enjoy life a bit. That looks like its going to be quite tricky because i'm a single bloke and this place is full of them. I would imagine that as a group, single blokes are possibly typecast as shaggers and chancers??
Wife left me late last year too, didn't move our 'till March though, you will find some lovely people on this site. I've had more support on here than I've had from family!
Don't rush into anything though, I think you (& I) need time to decide where you're going before setting out on the journey.
Does that sound too know it all? not my intention, I know nothing
Freckled, not working today, got week wrong, 7:00 this morning got up drove to work place - nowt there, checked instructions - next week DOH!!!!!!!!!!

Quote by webster
Wife left me late last year too, didn't move our 'till March though, you will find some lovely people on this site. I've had more support on here than I've had from family!
Don't rush into anything though, I think you (& I) need time to decide where you're going before setting out on the journey.
Does that sound too know it all? not my intention, I know nothing
Freckled, not working today, got week wrong, 7:00 this morning got up drove to work place - nowt there, checked instructions - next week DOH!!!!!!!!!!