Hey Cmama
I've been doing lots of reading lately that says that all the myths about children from single parent families are not true.
Your baby has a mummy who loves her and cares for her the bonus is you dont have to fight with anyone about how to raise her. Children from single parent families often grow up and flourish as they learn to be strong and independant.
You might not have much of an income or education now but there is loads of opportunity out there to change that. Theres tonnes of help from the government to maybe put your baby into daycare a couple of days a week to make it a lot cheaper if you wanted to study at uni or tafe. This would give you the opportunity to gain extra qualifications to give you more of a chance in the workforce.
Your friends are your friends because they want to be. They dont have to be and even if your best friend is married so what?!... you'll both have babies that can grow up to be buddies together.
As for the 18 year old at the supermarket what would he know?!. ALL 2 year olds chuck tantrums in the supermarket. one of the best things you can do is either walk away or what I tend to do now is try and avoid the toys and choccies as thats what its over. Another thing I do is get my little one to grab the basket and he goes through and does the shopping with me and it makes it a fun trip.
As for your ex and his threats he has no right to do that, You have a baby to support. I strongly suggest you make an appointment with your nearest family relationship centre as they will help to provide you with support with what to do, they can offer mediation and it is something you have to do precourt. If he threatens to harm your baby particularly in that situation then it could give you grounds for an AVO. There is so much help out there for you. Theres a thing called the family relationship advice line which will also provide you with plenty of useful advice in this situation.
Best of luck.
We're all here thinking of you
Mel
xox