We were first introduced to each other by some friends and we hit it off immediately. He understood me and I understood him. A perfect match.

We would go on to spend every day with each other for the next 9 months talking about expanding our future together.

We were aligning our future and we even planned to get married. He became my heartbeat.

Then one fine morning, I wasn't feeling well and couldn't seem to keep my eyes open. I was tired and moving slowly. This feeling went on for a few weeks until it dawned on me that I may be pregnant.

A week later at the doctor I would confirm my suspicions. I was in shock, crying hysterically. When I shared the news he was in shock too. We both had not planned for this news and at the time we were not mentally or financially ready for a child. 

As the months began to pass and I began to plan, I realized that we were not on the same page with anything when it came to planning for our child. I think that we may have rushed into this relationship not really getting a chance to truly know each other. The stress of the pregnancy began to tear us apart and we both were miserable!

So, while I was 7 months pregnant we decided to split up and that’s when I truly realized that I was going to be a single parent. I was devastated and heartbroken!

I wanted to have children one day but not this soon. I had envisioned that when I did have a child,  the child would grow up in a two parent home, just like I had.

The dream of raising my little one in a two parent home was destroyed. How could I be so careless? What had I done? How would I raise this little one all by myself? 

Although I was raised in a two parent household, I could not tell you what it takes to raise a kid, especially by myself. I was only 21 years old.

I felt scared, ashamed, stressed and lonely. 

While trying to navigate the Single Parent world. I would go on to have many struggles along the way trying to raise my little one in a one parent household.

As time went on I would go on to meet many other single parents, mothers and fathers, all struggling to raise their children.

What I discovered was that we all had very similar issues that we discussed daily, such as:

• Financial hardships

• Emotional and Psychological challenges

• Practical difficulties

• Impact on my child

Financial Hardships

• Reduced income: Single parents typically have a lower income than two-parent households, which can make it difficult to afford basic necessities.  

• Increased expenses: Single parents often bear the full cost of childcare, housing, and other expenses, leading to financial strain.  

• Debt and financial instability: The burden of single parenthood can contribute to debt and financial insecurity.  

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

• Loneliness and isolation: Single parents may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if they lack a strong support system.  

• Stress and burnout: The constant demands of single parenthood can lead to high levels of stress and burnout.  

• Guilt and self-doubt: Single parents may feel guilty about not being able to provide everything their child needs or doubt their ability to raise a child alone.  

Practical Difficulties

• Work-life balance: Balancing work and childcare responsibilities can be a significant challenge for single parents.  

• Lack of support: Single parents may struggle to find adequate support from family, friends, or the community.  

• Decision-making: Making important decisions about their child's upbringing without a partner can be stressful and overwhelming.  

Impact on Children

• Emotional challenges: Children of single parents may experience emotional difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.  

• Social challenges: Children may face social challenges, such as difficulty making friends or feeling isolated.

• Academic difficulties: Children may struggle academically due to lack of support or resources at home.  

It's important to note that while these challenges are significant, many single parents successfully raise happy and well-adjusted children.

Support systems, effective time management, and a positive attitude can help mitigate these difficulties.

How can we help support Single Parents?

Here are some key things individuals, communities, and organizations can do to support single parents:

Individual Support

• Offer practical assistance: Help with chores, errands, or childcare can make a significant difference in a single parent's life.

• Provide emotional support: Listen, offer encouragement, and be understanding.

• Share resources: Connect single parents with valuable resources, such as support groups, financial assistance programs, or childcare options.

Community Support

• Create support groups: Organize or join local support groups for single parents to provide a sense of community and shared experiences.

• Offer childcare options: Provide affordable or accessible childcare options, such as community centers or cooperative childcare arrangements.

• Advocate for policies: Support policies that benefit single parents, such as paid family leave, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare.

Organizational Support

• Provide financial assistance: Offer grants, scholarships, or loans to help single parents meet their financial needs.

  • https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/types/single-moms/

  • https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-help-is-available-for-single-parent/index.html

• Offer educational programs: Provide workshops and training on topics such as parenting skills, budgeting, and stress management.

• Collaborate with communities: Partner with local organizations and community leaders to address the needs of single parents.

By taking these steps, we can help single parents overcome challenges, build stronger families, and create more supportive communities.