Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 08:30 pm
A note from the owner of Just-Us-Two.com: Recently, a reader of this blog for single parents contacted me, wanting to share her story of becoming a single mom, the emotional journey that came with it, and her tips for how to cope. This blog isn’t simply a platform to share practical, factual information… it’s also a hub for social connection, and a place for single parents to seek a shared experience with others in the same situation. I hope this readers story helps someone out there who needs to relate to someone else. If you have a story you want to share, leave a comment and I will contact you! Maybe you could be the next person to provide help and comfort to many others.
Kim’s Advice
Becoming a single mom was not something I ever planned or expected. But life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, and sometimes we have to face them head-on.
My ex-husband left me when our son was only six months old. He said he couldn’t handle the responsibility of being a father, and he wanted to pursue his own dreams. He packed his bags and moved to another state, leaving me alone with a baby, a mortgage, and a broken heart.
I was devastated, angry, and scared. How was I going to raise a child by myself? How was I going to pay the bills? How was I going to heal from this betrayal? I felt like my world had collapsed, and I didn’t know how to move forward.
But I didn’t have time to wallow in self-pity. I had to take care of my son, who needed me more than ever. I had to find a way to survive and thrive as a single mom.
It wasn’t easy, but I did it. And you can do it too.
In this post, I’m going to share with you my story and tips on how to cope with becoming a single mom overnight. Whether you’re going through a divorce, a breakup, or a death of your partner, you’re not alone. You have the strength and the courage to overcome this challenge and create a happy and fulfilling life for yourself and your child.
Here are some of the things that helped me along the way:
Seek support from family and friends.
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to your loved ones and ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s babysitting, financial assistance, emotional support, or just someone to talk to, having a strong support network can make a huge difference in your well-being and your child’s.
Find a community of other single moms.
Sometimes, the best people who can understand what you’re going through are those who have been there themselves. Joining a local or online group of single moms can provide you with valuable advice, resources, friendship, and solidarity. You can share your struggles, successes, fears, and hopes with people who get it.
Take care of yourself.
Being a single mom can be exhausting and overwhelming. You may feel like you have to put everyone else’s needs before your own. But neglecting your own health and happiness can backfire in the long run. You need to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That means eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, finding time for hobbies and passions, and treating yourself once in a while. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Focus on the positive.
Becoming a single mom can be hard, but it can also be rewarding. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of your situation, try to focus on the positive ones. Think about the benefits of being a single mom, such as having more autonomy, flexibility, independence, and creativity. Think about the opportunities you have to grow as a person and as a parent. Think about the bond you have with your child and the love you share. Think about the future you can create together.
Celebrate your achievements.
Being a single mom is not easy, but it’s also not impossible. You are doing an amazing job of raising your child on your own, and you should be proud of yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Celebrate your achievements, big and small. Give yourself credit for every challenge you overcome, every goal you reach, every milestone you witness. You are strong, resilient, and capable. You are a single mom superhero.
Then, vs Now
Becoming a single mom overnight was one of the hardest things I ever had to face in my life. But it was also one of the most empowering things that ever happened to me.
Now, 5 years later I’ve learned so much about myself and how I want to parent my son. I’ve discovered new skills and talents that I didn’t dream I could have. I have found new friends and allies in the single parent community. My son and I have created thousands of amazing memories, and made traditions that we can’t wait to continue, just the two of us right now… but who know’s, maybe in the future we can introduce someone else to them.
I’m not saying it’s easy or perfect. There are still days when I feel overwhelmed or lonely or frustrated or sad.
But there are also days when I feel happy or grateful or proud or hopeful.
And those days make it all worth it.
I hope my story and tips can help you cope with becoming a single mom overnight too.
You are not alone.
You are not broken.
You are not hopeless.
You are a single mom.
And you are amazing.
Want to join a community of single parents?
Join our associated Facebook group, Single Mum Quotes or follow the Just-Us-Two.com Facebook page or Instagram
