Single mom plans girls' night out, gets judged for bailing when she decides she would prefer to spend money on her 5-year-old and 8-month-old: 'The stress has been overwhelming'

Every parent needs a break sometimes.

To be a primary caregiver to children, especially young ones, is a physically and emotionally exhausting job, even when parents have all the support in the world available. Doing it alone is another level of struggle. It is easy to become totally consumed by the needs and wants of the kids and forget that you have some of your own as well.

As a result, many parents will jump at the chance to do some socializing that is focused on them. It gives their brain the reset it needs to keep them in a happier frame of mind. The only issue is that these opportunities often don't come around that often, and they can be stressful to organize when they do. There is a lot to keep in mind.

Ultimately, one of the sacrifices of parenthood is that if something that is enjoyable for the parent is going to have a negative impact on the kids, it should not go ahead. It's frustrating, but it is part of the responsibility you have when you choose to bring life into the world. Not everyone is going to understand it, but that doesn't mean that it is any less necessary.

via Helena Lopes

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In this story, a single mom had been looking forward to a night out with friends that had been planned a month in advance. She bought a ticket for it early, assuming her financial situation would still allow her to go when the time came.
This turned out not to be the case, as she had some pending bills that urgently needed to be paid. She decided that selling her ticket to support the basic needs of her and her kids was the better option.
She was upset that her friends did not seem to be understanding of this, telling her that she needed to get child support. She wanted to know if she was in the wrong.
Am I wrong for backing out after realizing I’d rather spend the money on my kids?

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