To all the single moms out there, we want to take a moment to tip our hats to you and honor your strength and resilience. You are doing a fantastic job! Tackling parenthood is a full time job, never mind doing it alone without a support system. We are so inspired by your dedication, love and selflessness, you are a true hero in our eyes!
Here are some helpful resources as you navigate solo parenting.
Single moms are the queens of time management. No one can get more done in a day than a mom! But no matter what your to-do list looks like, the number one thing ANY mom (or anyone) needs is time with the Lord.
Time with God makes all the difference. While there may be so much to manage in one day, above all, prioritizing time with Him will give you everything you need to navigate your day.
First thing is first, ladies. Being a solo parent is A LOT. Being a mom with no help requires so much of you mentally and physically. Single motherhood is more than one job. It is so worth it, but it's no secret it will take over your entire life.
We are here to remind you to make sure you take care of your own needs too! A lot of single moms are afraid to indulge in self care because they don't want their kids overlooked and know their child needs to come first.
I can understand why you might feel guilty, but let me tell you a secret.
There's no need for the mom guilt. You DO put your kids first when you do what you need to stay sane!
You are the best mom you can be when you are healthy, inside and out.
Find some support groups, wake up a little earlier, stay up a little later, or find other moms in the same boat as you and help each other out. Pull on friends and family, or budget in some affordable child care.
Don't do it for you. Do it for your kiddos so you can be 100% present when you are will them, and give them the quality time they need and deserve.
As a single parent, it is so important to make sure you have a strong support network, for both you and for your kids!
Many single moms don't have time to invest in relationships because of the chaos of daily life, but great community will make your life easier in the long run.
Surrounding yourself with good friends who can bring encouragement and love make days sweeter, and just overall makes for a better life!
Many single parents don't have family that can step up as a support system, but these are the moments friends can step in and make life easier.
Navigating decision making in daily life for your kids can be so overwhelming as a single parent, and having the support of great friends helps.
Pursue positive people as friends and other single moms who understand your life. These meaningful relationships offer emotional support like nothing else!
TUVU is a strong digital community of real people. We are all about family and wholesome values. At TUVU, we believe social apps should be about authenticity, encouragement, and genuine relationships.
If you are looking for strong community but don't have the capacity to go out and meet people, consider joining TUVU.
Single moms face the responsibility of providing for their entire family. Being the main breadwinner for your household and making sure there is enough provision for all the things your children need can be a great financial pressure.
Some single moms are able to navigate finances with no issue thanks to child support, or maybe a better job, but for the single mothers who are struggling and don't have enough money to make ends meet, here are some resources.
Raising children can be very expensive, from clothing to food and child care, it really ads up. If you are a single parent, we want to make sure you have all the support you need.
Here are 20 government assistance programs available in the Unites States that are worth looking into for any single parents out there. Don't forget, like any government help, eligibility and requirements will vary with household income, location and additional factors.
To get more information, check out official government websites to get more details and explore your eligibility.
Affordable housing is housing available within the financial means of families of low to moderate income. Here are some ways people can see their eligibility and potentially access affordable housing:
When life happens or things get tough, bring it before the Lord with great faith knowing He is your provider and hasn't forgotten you.
"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows - this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy." - Psalms 68:5-6
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will you up with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." -Psalm 46:1
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." - Proverbs 3:5-6
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will all and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31
Establishing a family routine allows you to create stability and structure for the whole family. This consistency reduces stress, provides security and can help you have more quality time with your family members.
Between school, extracurricular activities, work and everything else, establishing a routine can help you focus and prioritize security and stability for you and your kids, so everyone feels confident tackling the day.
Create a space for your kids to be honest with themselves and with you. Teach them to acknowledge feelings, thoughts, fears or issues that come up.
When you make yourself available to talk about things with your children without judgement, you teach your kids it's safe to bring things to you and it will help build trust in your relationship.
Trying to keep a house clean is difficult for anyone, never mind a mom with no help. It can be overwhelming on top of everything else to have to think about getting the house clean. Here are some fun ways ton incentivize your kids to help around the house.
Celebrate your accomplishments, big and small mama! You are raising strong, amazing kids.
As a single mother, it is so important you take a moment at the end of the day to acknowledge your achievements, big and small.
On the days you feel like you messed up or didn't show up how you wish you did, have grace for yourself. You can only do your best.
Apologize to your kids where it's needed, be honest about where you are at. When you show your kids your humanity in humility, it will build trust.
Everything is easier with God by your side, and He has everything you need to make it through these days victorious.
It can be tempting to focus on the wrong things when there is a lot of stress and pressure. Sometimes, we can speak out of emotion without realizing what is being said. But remember, words create worlds!
Your words have a lot of power. As mom in the house, you have so much influence over your children, but also over the tone of your home and the mindset you being equipped in your kids. Shape the world you want for your family with the words that come out of your mouth.
Speak life over your children, express gratitude and thankfulness often in front of them, and model the type of heart posture you hope to see in them.
We hope this article is helpful and encouraging to any single moms out there. You are doing a great job! Join out community app, TUVU, to connect with other single moms and single parent families.