Task 4: Paper Interview

Being a single parent

1)   How many children do you have and how old are they?

Two, one daughter of nineteen one son of twenty one

2)   How did you come about being a single parent?

My ex started working in Spain and visiting every third weekend and then in Ireland. During those times we realized that are lives were going in diverse directions and that we wanted different things. After the divorce the children lived with me and the children visited their mum in Ireland.

3)   Do you or your children still have contact with their mother?

My son has regular contact by telephone and the occasional visit. My daughter has limited Contact with her mother as their personalities clash but hopefully in time they will be able to establish a relationship that works for both of them.

4)   How did the divorce affect your relationship with your children?

I believe it made us closer as I was responsible for doing the mother’s as well as the father’s role.

5)   What are some of the hardships you’ve faced being a single parent?

Not being able to have the same level of support. Trying to be in two places at the same time. Trying to work and look after two children can be very exhausting at times.

6)   How did you feel when you realized you were on your own?

The realization was gradual and started before the divorce as their mother worked away from home for some time.

7)   How did you cope with the financial burden of being a single parent?

I have been lucky, as I have always paid all the bills so it had no effect.

8)   What advice would you give to other single parents?

The children are the most important priority so try not to let your feelings for you’re ex partner effect them and keep their lives as normal as possible. Despite all the hard work in my opinion it is the best job in the world and the most rewarding seeing them achieve is fantastic.