Learning how to become a single mom and make it on your own may prove to be one of the biggest challenges in life you will ever face. It requires making tough decisions and discovering strength you never knew you had. Here are a few practical tips to make the transition easier and offer you a renewed sense of hope.
1. Expand Your Support Network
This is crucial. You are going to have to rely on the support of others to help you get through this vulnerable stage in your life. Your backup support will most likely consist of close friends and members of your family. Consider joining a support group for single parents and remind yourself you are not alone.
2. Schedule “Me” Time
One of the most important single parenting tips, but one that’s often overlooked is – “Me” time. It’s essential to schedule pockets of time just for you so you can quietly think and reconnect to yourself. As a result, it will bring perspective, hope, healing, and understanding.
3. Legal Aspects of a Single Mother
Depending on the situation, a newly single mother has the right to collect child support from the biological father or other welfare government subsidies if eligible. Some various programs that help alleviate the burden of single mothers include welfare assistance, food stamps, and alimony as well as other kinds of relief to lessen the hardships associated with being a newly single mother.
Other state and federal government programs designed to help may offer grants, scholarships, and various loans to single mothers in need as well. These programs are put in place to help further the single mother’s education along with providing a form of financial assistance.
4. Stay Positive
This is a period of great transition for you. Take this time to really think about what’s going right in your life as opposed to what is not. It’s your positive attitude that even in the midst of the unknown will empower you the most. You’ll also be setting a good example for your children and showing them courage and strength like never before.
5. Be in the Present Moment for the Sake of Your Children
Whenever you are with your children, make a strong effort to be completely emotionally engaged and present with them. It may be tempting to withdraw given everything that’s happened to you recently, but your children need you more than ever. Simple things like taking a walk or playing a game sends the message that life goes on, and so will they.
The challenges of a newly single mother may be intense, but in some ways it’s a whole new beginning for even better things to come.
Information credit to Valerie M. Little Law Corporation, a new Westminster lawyer.