One of the greatest challenges single moms face is the weight of making decisions alone. Every day, you’re flooded with dozens of decisions — big and small — that impact your family.
Over time, the constant demand to choose wisely can become overwhelming. It may leave you feeling anxious, uncertain, or even doubting your own judgment. It also can lead to the temptation to make quick, convenient decisions to just keep moving forward — even when it might not be the best path forward.
If this resonates with you, take heart—you’re not alone.
This article is part two of our 10-part series inspired by The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make, designed to give single moms actionable tips to help you navigate single parenthood with more patience, gentleness, and grace In this chapter, authors Pam Farrel and PeggySue Wells encourage single moms to “decide to be decisive.” (If you missed the first article, you can read it here.)
Here’s our encouragement and practical tip for single moms learning to navigate life’s decisions with grace and clarity.
Decide to Be Decisive
As you navigate life as a single mom, it’s not uncommon to find yourself questioning your ability to make sound decisions—especially if past experiences, like a broken relationship, have left you doubting your judgment.
But the truth is, your ability to make clear, confident choices is not only essential—it’s also something that can grow stronger with intention and faith.
As a single parent, you’re faced with important decisions every day, and learning to trust yourself—and God—as you make them is key to building a healthy, hope-filled home.
Here are 4 takeaways from chapter 2 that will help you silence self-doubt, push past fear, and make choices with wisdom and courage:
- Call upon God for wisdom. You don’t have to figure everything out alone! The Bible says God readily gives wisdom to anyone who asks for it (James 1:5). Ask the Lord to help you make the right decision in any situation.
- Avoid decision fatigue. Be intentional with the decisions you have to make! If you struggle with making decisions for other people or allowing others to make decisions for you – take time to decide who is truly responsible for making the decisions in each situation and respond accordingly. In the same way, allow your family values to guide decision-making, alleviating the pressure of reactive decision-making.
- Do “the next right thing.” When you don’t know what decision to make, take action—even if it’s just a small step. That can include exercising, arranging a meet-up with a mentor, or something else that bears good fruit in your life.
- Seek wise counsel. The authors of this chapter advise single moms to build a small “decision team” of people you trust—those who can help you talk through big choices without judgment and with spiritual discernment. The team should be comprised of people who are spiritually mature, emotionally healthy, and experienced in areas where they need support.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Decision-making is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Single moms are required to make important decisions on a regular basis. Use these tips to help you trust your own judgement and confidently make choices that have a positive impact on your family.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” ~James 1:5 (NLT)
APPLICATION
When God calls us into new seasons of life, it can feel scary — for us, and our children. Remind your family about the importance of having faith wherever God calls us by sharing New Skill Noah, an interactive Bible story, with them.
Find this game and more now in the Everyday Moments™ activities collection!
