Heya Muma, let's face it, being a single mother is hard and it’s something we never planned for - I know! Yet despite the challenges, we still want to give it our all. This is your time, your moment, and your opportunity to take charge and achieve the life that I know you and your children so richly deserve. And as a therapist and separated mother who’s walked this same journey, I want to share with you how you can make life as a single mother work for you and your children so that you too can thrive!

Overcoming the challenges of single motherhood

Like so many of my clients, you’ve most likely started life as a single mother without any guidance on how to support your children, let alone yourself. Single motherhood is hard, and as a therapist and separated mum who’s been in your shoes, I feel you and totally understand. I want to help you understand some of the challenges and realities of being a single mother, and tell you how you and your children can still thrive. Muma, you’ve got this!

Find your tribe

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious during our divorce, especially around how it is going to affect our children. One of the most empowering things you can do during this time to give yourself strength through the challenges of single motherhood is to find your tribe! Find a single mums group and join a community of like-minded single mums who get it, who have been there, or are aware of what you’re going through right now. Entering single parenthood doesn’t need to mean going it alone. Having a group of other women who can build you up is incredibly empowering. 

Manage your self-expectations

Being a single mother, it's all on you, and this can feel really overwhelming. Every single mother has their own unique challenges, depending on their situation whether that be co-parenting, finances or circumstances surrounding their children. Yet what we all have in common is that there are many challenges, and we can quite often feel alone in them.

However, and here’s the thing, you don’t need to get it right 100% of the time - you don’t need to be perfect! The drive to be the perfect mum and not make any mistakes can be crippling, filling us with mum-guilt and anxiety, BUT what if I told you there have been scientific studies showing you only need to ‘get it right’ 30% of the time for your child to grow up to be a secure individual. The two most valuable resources you can provide your children are your love and your time. By listening and being there, your children will feel more secure, understood and not alone. You are your children’s world!

Your inner-circle

Whilst some people may embrace and elevate you, others may judge you; be wary of who you let into your inner circle. Single parenthood is about doing what’s best for you and your children, not appeasing or meeting the expectations of others.