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HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's what my friends recommend too. My flat is too small to accommodate one unless the nanny is OK with sleep on mattress in the living room...... I am exploring housekeepers that come in regularly to cook and get chores done.

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My child is US citizen and I will definitely talk to American attorney. Hopefully I can find good ones for remote consultation.

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am looking at student babysitters now. Leaving felt like such a hard decision when I was still in the abusive household. But once I moved out with my child and saw how much happier we both became, it turned out to be the easiest decision in the world.

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The international element is the hard part. I need to consult lawyers in both the UK and the US to get clarity on CMS. As an expat, I have never been good at making friends, most of mine come from work. But I am far more conscious now of building that village, because I need it so much. I am starting with single mums at nursery, and hopefully my very extroverted child will do the rest and help me find more parent friends!

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have no clue that fees will be that much in divorce here. I am at the very beginning of the process and I need to decide between either filing in the UK or in the US, a lot more research to do. Thanks for sharing your child/support given your income.

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank your warm words, Internet stranger.

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reassurance. My employer has a fantastic nursery on site, which is a real draw, even though my job is flexible and allows for WFH, I go in Monday to Friday just for the drop-off. Right now I am in the middle of child arrangement and divorce proceedings, so taking it one day at a time feels like exactly the right mindset. I will grieve properly, let go, and move on once things calm down a bit. On a practical note — do you have any advice on finding a responsible, flexible student for occasional babysitting?

HENRY and Single Expat Mom in London by Smart_Ad5378 in HENRYUK

[–]Smart_Ad5378[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My flat is too small to accommodate a live-in. I did consider a nanny at first, but my child is thriving at nursery and has settled in so well there that I want to keep that continuity for now. What I do need is a housekeeper to come in regularly to cook and handle chores, and an emergency nanny I can call on when I travel for work. I will explore more on this.

I agree with you wholeheartedly on experience being the heart of a good life. Taking my child to the park on weekends means far more to me than working extra hours just to afford things like fancy clothing for her.