Being a single parent can be one of the most challenging and wonderful things you could ever do. Most people plan to go into parenthood as a team, very few imagine they’ll ever have to do it alone. Relationships break down, pregnancies can be unexpected, and life can hit you with a curl ball changing your plans. A solid support system doesn’t just provide the emotional reassurance that they need but the practical assistance that single parents need with childcare, self-care, and coping strategies.
There are also things like single parenting groups and if you can go online and look for a single parent ministry near me. When you do this, you’ll be able to find your village of people to surround yourself with so that you don’t feel so alone. Given what we’ve just spoken about, here are some ways you can find support as a single parent.
- Reach out to family and friends as much as possible. Your immediate circle of family and friends around you is a good basis for a support system. Not only do they know who you are, but they’ll be able to offer you emotional assistance and encouragement that you might need. Plus the bonus of knowing you can do this and you are not alone. It’s OK to lean on the people that you love. They’re there for that reason so lean on them.
- Join as many social groups as possible. You’ll find single parents will join up with social groups, whether it’s at a local community center or a local ministry. Connecting to other single parents who are going it alone can help you build a bigger village where you can lean on each other for extra babysitting services, play dates, and general chit-chat when all the kids have started school. They can offer you advice, insights, and any help that you may need when you need it. There are divorce care groups, Co-parenting support groups, and single-parent support groups you take the kids to.
- Look for resources online. The Internet has a wealth of information and resources that you can use. As a single parent, choose resources that make sense for you. For example, if joining a church group is for you, finding the best one at a local church that fits your unique beliefs is important.
- Look into childcare. If you’re a working single parent, then you’re going to find yourself needing additional support with getting your children to and from school or from different childcare settings. Look into government programs, local organizations or charities, nonprofits, and more that assist with financial aid, parenting classes, childcare, and more. Even your local community center and library should have resources for you.
Being a single parent does not mean that you’re going to be a failure to your child. It’s going to show that you’re the parent that stayed.
This is a partnership post.