How Single Moms Can Find Support and Thrive
Being a single parent can be incredibly difficult and isolating. But with the right support and resources, single moms can build a community and avoid becoming socially isolated. Recent studies have shown that up to 41% of single moms lack social support and feel alone. However, there are many effective ways to create connections and get help.
Get Involved Locally
Search online for single parent Meetup groups, classes, or events in your community. Sites like Meetup.com make it easy to find other single parent families looking to connect. Attend library story times, mom groups, and other kid-friendly activities. This allows you and your child to make friends with those in similar circumstances. According to a 2018 study, building local community support helps children of single parents thrive academically and emotionally.
Look Into Head Start
Head Start provides free or low cost preschool, parent education, health services and more for qualifying low income families. Take advantage of their comprehensive services, as both you and your child can benefit. The Administration for Children and Families finds their parent resources and support groups especially helpful for single moms.
Ask For Help
Don't be afraid to reach out to your family, friends, neighbors church community and ask for help when you need it. One study found that single moms do best when they adopt an "it takes a village" mentality. Whether it's babysitting, meal delivery or an occasional listening ear, letting others lend a hand makes a big difference.
Prioritize Self-Care
Being a solo parent is stressful, so make sure to schedule in relaxing activities just for you. Get regular exercise, pursue hobbies, or talk to a counselor if you're feeling depressed or anxious. Taking care of your mental health enables you to be fully present and engaged with your kids.
Creating a support network and community as a single parent has huge payoffs for both you and your children. Take advantage of local resources, reach out for help when needed, and make self-care a priority. With resilience and the right support system, single moms can beat isolation and raise happy, healthy families.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips for single moms navigating isolation! And don’t forget to subscribe to get my weekly newsletter with more advice sent straight to your inbox.