AS A single mum I'm really proud of the fact that I've worked hard to make a successful career for myself, but constantly aware of the fact that my three children haven't had as much of my attention as they deserve.

They are all three happy, well-adjusted kids who are all doing well at school, but that's as much down to the care of their brilliant child-minder and their wonderful grandparents as it is to me.

I make the most I possibly can of the weekends and holidays we have together, but I do sometimes wonder if I should give up working and stay at home to be with them.

It would substantially reduce our standard of living and I really love my job, but should I put my children first?

FIONA REPLIES... From the very fact that you are so obviously concerned for their well-being, you clearly are putting your children first.

You have help and support from people who would seem to care for them, you spend quality time with your children, as well as providing them with a good standard of living through your earnings.

Giving up your job would run the risk of you losing out on prospects as well as pension rights – things that need to be considered.

If your children appeared to be suffering in any way then I'd suggest you think about scaling back, perhaps by going part-time.

That's still an option, but there are others – such as flexi-time or time spent working from home occasionally – that your employer might consider too.

I don't think there is one parent in the land who believes they get everything right all the time; most of us just muddle along trying to do the best we can. Guilt is the biggest thing every working mother has to contend with – whether single or not! Consider making contact with other lone parents, and you may well find their support invaluable.

Try contacting One Parent Families/Gingerbread at the website oneparentfamiles.org.uk (see this week's FOCUS) to see if there is a support group near you.