Single parenting is one of the toughest yet most rewarding journeys a woman can take. At Journey Women’s Center, we understand the unique challenges single mothers face, from juggling responsibilities to finding moments of rest. That’s why we’re here to provide encouragement, practical resources, and a supportive community to help you navigate this season with confidence and hope.
5 Tips for Your Single Parenting Journey
Build a Support Network
We are not meant to do life alone. Find the people around you that you can trust to help when you need it. IT IS OK TO ASK FOR HELP! You may think, I shouldn’t have to ask for help. I should be able to do this on my own. Pride has a tendency to get in the way. We are social creatures, we need the support of our family, friends, and community. You will probably be surprised at the love and support you will receive when you ask people for help.
Emotional Preparation
Take time to acknowledge your feelings. Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling without judgment. It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, fear, anger, and anxiety.
Understand you will have to be flexible and adjustable. Let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Focus on what’s best for your child and yourself, even when things don’t go the way you planned.
Take care of yourself. It is necessary for you to take care of your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. This includes many things: eating right, getting enough sleep, mild exercise to name a few. Making time for activities that relax and recharge you is definitely something that’s important but is often put on the back burner.
Remember, when you take care of yourself, you’re more prepared to take care of your child.
Prioritize Your Relationship With Your Child
Think about what’s important. Is your child going to remember the dirty dishes that sat in the sink an extra day? No. Will he or she remember you taking the time to sit and read a book with them or when you paused your busy schedule to listen to their struggles with friends? Absolutely!
Time with parents is important to your child’s health and development, especially in the early years. Single parenting can put the squeeze on your time with your child. Set aside a few minutes every day to cuddle or play with your child. You could even just hold them. The laundry or vacuuming can wait.
Childcare and Schooling
Good childcare is crucial! If you need regular childcare, look for a qualified caregiver who provides a safe environment with age-appropriate stimulation. Not only is this vital for your baby’s well-being, it is vital for your peace of mind as a parent.
Your childcare provider can be a valued partner in raising your child! Be careful about asking a new friend or loved one to watch your baby. Any person who cares for your child should have experience with young children. You should also know them and trust them. This will help to make leaving your child in their care easier.
Child Care Resources
In our area, you can find child care resources through the Community Development Support Association (CDSA) in Enid, OK. The federally funded Head Start program serves infants and toddlers in low-income families. Local government, United Way agencies and other community or faith-based organizations sometimes provide child care scholarships. Some employers may provide child care benefits or discounts. Also, RainbowFleet.org can help in finding affordable childcare ((800) 438-0008).
Embrace the Journey
Single parenting can mean that you are oftentimes doing it all. You’re the primary caregiver and you’re making all the important decisions. Recognize your strengths: maybe your ability to adapt, your resilience, or the love you provide. This can remind you that you are doing your best and give you the strength to keep going.
Embrace flexibility. You will face many unexpected moments along the journey of single parenting. Welcoming flexibility into your life helps to reduce stress when things don’t go exactly the way you planned. Learning to adapt can give you confidence when navigating through daily challenges, such as dealing with a sick child, last minute schedule changes at work, or an emergency.
Perfection is not the goal! Celebrate small achievements and victories! Some days will be harder than others. Every day you are doing what you think is best for your child. Embrace the highs and the lows. Celebrate your journey! Every family has their own unique journey through life.
You are NOT alone!
You will feel alone at times. Remember there are many other single parents out there with their own victories and struggles. Even when this journey feels nearly impossible, you are part of a community of individuals who understand your struggles.
At Journey Women’s Center we offer support to new moms. We listen to your story, honor your baby, and provide resources to support you as you walk this journey.