Being a single mom can be extremely challenging, and especially if your child is overcoming trauma—but if you’re already raising children on your own, this isn’t a big surprise to you.
You’ve already spent months or years shouldering the sole responsibility of your household, managing everything from your grocery budget and scheduling regular oil changes to making sure your kids get to school on time.
It can be exhausting to feel like you have no help raising your children—and if you’re at the end of your rope, we have some tips to help.
This article is the first of a 10-part series we’re calling Single Mom Thrive designed to give single moms actionable tips to help you navigate single parenthood with more patience, gentleness and grace.
Here’s our first tip for single moms.
Decide to Thrive
Throughout this series for single moms, we’ll be referencing the advice Pam Farrel and PeggySue Wells offer throughout their best-selling book, The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make.
The first and most powerful pieces of advice they offer is this: Decide to thrive.
Everyone’s journey into single parenthood looks different because God never gives two people the same path. Maybe you became a single parent due to an unexpected change in your relationship, or perhaps God called you to foster or adopt even though marriage hasn’t been a part of your story.
No matter how you ended up as a single mom, know this: we’re here to help you in this role. You can thrive in this season—not just survive. Even if it’s not the path you would have chosen, it can still be a beautiful and meaningful ministry when entrusted to God’s hands.
Single motherhood, while challenging, is an opportunity to thrive with God’s guidance. Here are some ways you can choose to thrive today:
- Seek strength through faith. Lean on God’s promises and guidance by engaging with His Word–and pray often. Pray for provision, pray for wisdom, pray for protection — pray without ceasing! God is faithful to provide for His children who call upon Him for help. Too often, we have not because we ask not (James 4:2). As you read the Bible, memorize verses that speak to your situation and flow them into your prayers. Our Heavenly Father promises His Word will always accomplish what it sets out to do in your life.
- Remember you are chosen. Even if becoming a parent was a surprise to you, it wasn’t a surprise to God. He specifically chose you to be a mother to your child, so you have the freedom to walk in that confidence.
- Silence the enemy. The enemy might tell you you’re alone, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. According to research presented in The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make, one in every four homes is led by a single parent. To do this, be sure to recognize the importance of self-care and emotional health.
- Find your community. When God calls you to a difficult situation, He places people around you who are willing to help. Tap into your church community and make your needs known. More than likely, you’ll find people God has already prepared to walk alongside you.
And when the everyday overwhelm of managing a household and making big decisions for your children feels like it’s too much to handle, remember God has more than enough resources to carry you through what He brought you into.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Being a single mom is difficult, but you can choose to thrive where God has planted you. Rely on God to provide for your needs. You can rest in the assurance that He is able and willing to take care of your family. And if you need a little encouragement, you’re not alone. God is with You and ready to foster real hope and healing in your heart.
ACTIVITY
When life gets difficult, it’s easy to focus on everything going wrong instead of all the things going right. Connect with your children at bedtime and teach them to meditate on what is true, good, and noble (Philippians 4:8) by playing One, Two, See. This easy, no-prep game teaches your children how to manage their thoughts and focus on God’s wonderful promises before they go to bed. Find this game and more now in the Everyday Moments™ activities collection!
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- What is one area of your life as a single parent where you can choose to trust God more?
- What is one way today you can practice gratitude for the life God has given you?
KEY VERSE
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the gift of children. Please show me how to make good choices that glorify You as I parent. In Jesus’ name, amen.
