I have been a single mother for almost the entire life of my daughter. She was only 8 months old when I seperated from her father. She turned 6 a while ago and although it has been fulfilling in so many ways, raising her by myself now has gotten a bit scary. It feels as suddenly she needs a whole new way of dealing with her. All the books and articles I read served me well until she was 5. Now nothing seems to be right or good enough or working! It’s not helping that she’s very smart, sharp and sensitive. Or that her father lives in a differnt country and last time she saw him was 4 years ago! Or that I got in a new relationship after having me for herself all those years. Or that I am struggling financially lately. She is having nightmares, she’s fearing lot of things. She’s also expressing herself very clearly that sometime I just freeze! I do know I need professional help, but until I can afford it, I can only try and reach out, see how mothers in situations similar to mine are making it.
Relax Rana, and welcome to motherhood.
I am a grandmother now, but I raised my two daughters as a single mother and we all lived through it.
Your daughter is six years old now and maturing in a way that most mothers are totally unprepared for. A year or so ago she was little more than a baby. All of sudden she has a strong will and opinions of her own. This is totally normal for a six year old.
Please do not get bogged down in guilt and regret about your mothering skills or your financial situation and please do not accept just any relationship just to provide a "complete" family for you and your daughter. That would be a terrible mistake, I know, I made that mistake many years ago.
Professional help can be useful but look to your "internal guidance" first. Never forget that your daughter has a mind and will of her own, just as you do.