Find a nice high school or college student willing to babysit. Good role model for kids, and they are usually responsible. Just do your homework and you'll find yourself a great way to give yourself a break.

I feel this ladies pain! I am a 28 yr old single mother, of an 8 yr old little man with disabilities and my mother is the same way. I don't have any other family around to help out and I don't trust just anyone due to his health issues. I spend a lot of time in the house with very little "mommy" time. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy with no friends or social life since I never have a babysitter. I sympathize with her and hope she has better luck than I have.

There are a lot of issues here, and so questions you need to answer for yourself. Since you haven't made the best choices in the past, get into therapy & learn why you are getting relationships that don't last. EVERYONE can use help, but not everyone is smart enough to take that step. 1) You state you are a "single mom." these children didn't spring out of the air & into your home. They have a father. Where is he? Why not make your night off, the time for the children to spend with their father? Just because you & he divorced doesn't mean he is no longer their father - let them spend time together & you can go out. 2) Don't tell everyone you are going out & dating. The kids don't need to deal with the idea of # 3 coming into their home, & don't need to think of mom looking to hookup. As fare they are concerned, this is card night with girlfriends. 3) find other parents to share childcare. You'll get more friends & meet more people. they may introduce you to a single dad. The best way to meet people is to have them "pre-screened." Best of luck!

I totally understand this lady's situation. I'm a 23 year old mother of two beautiful kids, 4 yr old boy and 11 mth old girl. I filed for my divorce in Feb. of this year, and it was granted July 23, 2007. Since then, I've went out on ONE date, and I actually took my kids with me because I KNEW my mom wouldn't watch them. OMG you should have SEEN her face. I received a lecture and EVERYTHING because I was going out with someone. It was horrible. Since then, I keep my "love life" to myself and only ask her to watch my kids while I work. I don't have any "mommy" time either because of the kids' schedules, but I usually just tell my son we are going out to meet a "friend" and hang out. He is fine with that and I leave it at that.

Sometimes the obvious answer is all 4 above!!! OMG don't expect your parents to be on call to babysit for you! they are your responsibility, plan ahead and get a few sitters you are comfortable having watch your kids so you can make plans... it also keeps you from losing your good sense if your sitter needs to be home at a certain time as well... Don't drag every date in the door to meet your kids either, it will confuse them, not to mention they don't need to know about someone until you are stating to date regularly... your date should know you have kids up front! And be cool about introducing a man into your family, don't hang all over each other in front of the children, they will understandably be upset by your behavior with 'A STRANGER" plus it sets a bad example (they don't know how close you are remember?) When someone proves worthy to be brought into your children's lives as well, it is a good test of them to see if they will dial back their behavior in front of your Mom and the children. Gradually over several dates, work up to displays of affection in front of them, take your time, if he is a keeper, he will understand your concerns about your children getting attached to him and things don't work out between you! Also, don't let anyone you date fight or argue with you in front of the children, you shouldn't be ever put in that position, leave them at the door and tell them you will talk calmly another time! You not only have your safety to deal with but that ofyour family as well. Have a love life, but be smart about doing it ladies, try not to repeat previous mistakes! good luck!!

I think your mother's interests are generally concern for the well-being of you and her grandchildren. Obviously she thinks something you're doing is wrong, and moms sometimes know what's best no matter how old you are so you should listen. Also, it's not about yourself and you need to realize that. Think about your kids.

Yes, I agree 100%. I am 38 yrs. old my mom has been living with me for one year. when I separated from my husband she seemed to be okay with me dating then for whatever reasons she started having litte attitudes. My kids are 14yrs and 9 yrs. Now I just go out and give very basic details.

Wow, a 32 year old woman who feels it's her right in life to date and leave the kids with their grandmother? Wake up and find a babysitter.

Maybe you should consider that your Mom does not OWE you babysitting services. You seem to assume that she is obligated to watch your kids because YOU want to go out. Does your mom work full time and is she exhausted when she gets home? Are you a habitual party girl who puts her own needs ahead of her mom's? Do you think she owes you just because she's your mother? I don't know the answers to these questions, but you do.

I can feel your frustration in this situation. But, you need to take a step back and try to look into this situation from the outside. Your mother is most likely worried about you and your future as well as your children's. She may also feel like you are taking advantage of her by asking her to watch the kids for you...depending upon how frequently this occurs. It could be that your mom wants to be allowed to be a granny, not a caretaker. It is a difficult situation to be the constant "babysitter". It alters the relationship between your kids and your mom. Also, I noticed that your kids are 13 and 10. The 13 year old is on the cusp of being the age to not need a "sitter". In fact, my daughters were babysitting themselves at 13 for other families. Maybe your kids are copping an attitude with grandma because they don't think they should have to have a sitter at that age. I agree with some of the others who have posted. It would be best to find another sitter or possibly a friend or two that you could rotate with. It would be great if the other moms have kids the same ages as yours...so that they could develop friendships as you do the same. And, as one other mentioned...where are your children's father(s)? Most of my friends that are divorced have ex's that have the kids every other weekend at a minimum. the weekend the kids are at dad's is the weekend they date or go out with friends. the weekend the kids are with them are family weekends. I wish you luck in finding a system that works for you. Just don't alienate your mom or your kids in the process. They are the ones that will be there for you no matter what happens with the men in your life.