Holidays Present Tough Times for Single Moms

I appreciate Robin Abcarian’s “Split Decision” (Dec. 10) on the dilemmas facing parents and children of divorced families during the holidays.

The article was sensitive and well-written, but I was disappointed that an issue that has caused me, as a single mother, tremendous inconvenience and pain was omitted. I know I’m not alone, that many custodial parents must experience this as well.

The problem is that my son must give gifts to his father, stepmother, stepsister and paternal grandparents. After all, they all give him gifts, and he would be embarrassed if he could not reciprocate.

Like many single moms, I am on a limited budget. Like many divorced dads, my son’s father is doing quite well financially, as are his parents. I find it a financial burden to buy any gifts at all.

And then there’s the emotional side of it. Our marriage split up against my wishes. He married “the other woman.” At precisely the time of year that I am supposed to have good will toward men, I am filled with anger and resentment at having to buy presents for people who caused me pain, lowered my standard of living and left my son without a father.

NAME WITHHELD

Escondido