How to Survive Being a Single Mother

Prioritize your health and well-being.

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.

Maintain a blameless mindset.

Make time for yourself to create and clarify your values.

Build a support system.

Remember that society is filled with many good, kind, loving people. Make sure to have only friends who are of sound mind and can make healthy decisions care for your child in your absence.

Think about what you bring to the table.

Consider the skills that you already possess. Are you a good reader? Are you a good communicator?, Do you know more than one language?

Ask for help if you need it.

Look to close family, universities, and social agencies for assistance. They may be able to help you with food, clothing, medical needs, shelter, and future education for yourself.

Take responsibility and be selective.

Don't let anyone take advantage of you and force you into a decision. Remember, you are the mother. As long as you have a love for your child, you have strong morals, and you behave in a legally responsible manner, all should work out for the best.

Check phone books for helpful resources.

Look for hospitals that can refer you to child crisis centers. See if these hospitals can also refer you to social workers, or other social agencies.

Get out of a bad neighborhood or unhealthy relationship.

Your safety and the safety of your children is the top priority.

Believe in yourself.

Remind yourself that you will succeed. Know that while it might take a great deal of time to finish college while being a single parent, you can accomplish your goals.

Use state-funded grants.

Use these grants for food, housing, and school if necessary.

Ignore people who are critical of you.

The opinions of critical people don't matter.

Keep your home clean and sanitary.

Cleanliness means health.

Learn CPR.

Take infant and child CPR classes from the local Red Cross or hospital. You can also learn CPR from a volunteer firefighter or EMT.

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.

Remember that each day is created anew.

You are the architect of your life.

Foster dignity and self-confidence for yourself.

Respecting yourself helps you create a character-building environment for your child.

Fight loneliness.

When you get lonely, paint, draw, read, sing, or mend something. You can also call a friend or family member.

Learn from your children.

That is a continuum that is ever-evolving.