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)   Maintain a blameless mindset. Make time for yourself to create and clarify your values.
 * 2) Remember society has many outlets of good, kind, loving people who are compassionate and supportive.
 * 3)   Consider the skills that you already possess. Are you a good reader? Are you a good communicator?, Do you know more then one language?
 * 4)  Look to local churches, Universities and social agencies for assistance with food, clothing, medical needs, shelter and future education for yourself.
 * 5) 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.
 * 6)  Check the phone books for hospitals that can refer you to child crisis centers, social workers or other social agencies.
 * 7) Leave if you are in a bad neighborhood or an unhealthy relationship. Your safety and the safety of your child/ren is priority.
 * 8)   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.
 * 9)  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.
 * 10)  Use state funded grants for food, housing and school if necessary.
 * 11)   Ignore people who are critical of you.
 * 12)   Cleanliness Remember to stay clean, and keep your abode in order. Cleanliness means health.
 * 13)  Learn CPR. Take infant and child CPR classes from the local Red Cross or hospital.
 * 14) 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.
 * 15) 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.
 * 16)  Remember  every day is created anew, and YOU are the architect.
 * 17)  Have dignity. If you choose to go or not  to go to a house of faith, do so with a clean conscience.
 * 18)   Fight loneliness. When you get lonely, paint, draw, read, sing, mend something, pray.
 * 19)  Accept parental responsibility.
 * 20)  Learn from our children. That is a continuum that is ever evolving.

Tips

 * Stay safe
 * Take Classes in parenting
 * Seek charities and scholarships
 * Have faith

Warnings

 * Be wary of strangers and some "friends"
 * Respect your intuition.

Things You'll Need

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

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Survive as a Young Single Mother
 * How to Balance Work and Parenting as a Single Parent
 * How to Apply for Welfare via WIC, Food Stamps or TANF
 * How to Do Once a Month Cooking
 * How to Have Fun With Grandma
 * How to Budget Your Money