Survive Being a Single Mother

Women of any age can become single parents through death of a spouse, divorce, abandonment or choice. Here are a few suggestions to maintain mental health, thrive as an individual and nurture your children in the best possible manner.

Steps

  1. An important thing to remember is that your health and well being is vital. Take steps to ensure that you are taking care of yourself, if you are struggling and feeling depressed don't be afraid to seek help from friends, family or a health care professional.
  2. Maintain a blameless mindset. Make time for yourself to create and clarify your values.
  3. Remember society has many outlets of good, kind, loving people who are compassionate and supportive.
  4. Consider the skills that you already possess. Are you a good reader? Are you a good communicator?, Do you know more than one language?
  5. Look to close family, Universities and social agencies for assistance with food, clothing, medical needs, shelter and future education for yourself.
  6. Take responsibility. Be selective. Do not think that constraints with limited funds allow anyone to take advantage or force us into a decision. Remember, WE are the mothers. As long as we have love for our child, our morals are intact and we behave in a legally responsible manner, all should work out for the best.
  7. Check the phone books for hospitals that can refer you to child crisis centers, social workers or other social agencies.
  8. Leave if you are in a bad neighborhood or an unhealthy relationship. Your safety and the safety of your child/ren is priority.
  9. Believe in yourself. Know that while it might take a great deal of time to finish college while being a single parent, you can succeed.
  10. Establish a support system that you are comfortable with. Make sure to have only friends who are of sound mind and can make healthy decisions care for your child in your absence.
  11. Use state funded grants for food, housing and school if necessary.
  12. Ignore people who are critical of you.
  13. Cleanliness Remember to stay clean, and keep your abode in order. Cleanliness means health.
  14. Learn CPR. Take infant and child CPR classes from the local Red Cross or hospital, or a volunteer firefighter or EMT.
  15. Take parenting classes. Many times these classes will cost nothing if you speak to the receptionist. The Red Cross can not deny anyone classes for lack of ability to pay. The classes can be a life saver. Remember, parenting is a learned skill.
  16. Parental skills are learned. If we were parented well, all the better, if we think we want to leave some things behind or improve upon them, do so.
  17. Remember every day is created anew, and YOU are the architect.
  18. Have dignity for yourself and build confidence to create a character building environment for your child
  19. Fight loneliness. When you get lonely, paint, draw, read, sing, mend something, call a friend or family member.
  20. Accept parental responsibility.
  21. Learn from our children. That is a continuum that is ever evolving.

Tips

  • Take measures to build self-esteem
  • Set goals for your future and take steps to reach those goal.
  • Stay safe
  • Seek charities and scholarships
  • Take Classes in parenting

Warnings

  • Be wary of strangers and some "friends"
  • Don't allow loneliness to guide your relationship habits

Things You'll Need

  • Transportation (or funds for transportation)
  • Health ( remember your child depends on you)
  • Trustworthy caregiver

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