Managing life as a single mom and blending families together

Aimee D.

For many years, I was a single mom raising my kids on my own, going through two divorces, and facing challenges that felt insurmountable at times. I had to figure out how to manage finances, work, and care for my children, all while dealing with the emotional toll of the split. The hardest part was the feeling of starting over with young children and even being pregnant during that time. After remarrying, I found myself navigating the complex world of blending families. It’s not easy, especially when co-parenting with an ex-spouse and trying to balance the needs of my children, some of whom are adults now and others still living at home. I’ve experienced the pain of financial struggles, court battles, and the loneliness of being a single parent. But I’ve also learned how to lean into support, communicate more effectively, and create a loving environment for my family. Now, I offer my experience and listening ear to help others who might be going through similar struggles.

Co-parenting after divorce

Angelia P.

When I got divorced, I wasn’t just separating from my partner—I was stepping into a whole new chapter as a co-parent. It was overwhelming at first. We had three kids at different stages in life, each reacting differently to the shift. I had to learn how to communicate with someone I no longer trusted while keeping our kids at the center of every decision. It wasn’t always smooth—we had very different parenting styles and the emotional baggage didn’t magically disappear. But over time, I started noticing what worked and what didn’t. I learned to set boundaries, pick my battles, and prioritize stability for my kids over being “right.” It took patience, prayer, therapy, and a lot of deep breaths, but I found ways to make co-parenting manageable—even respectful. I know how hard it is to juggle your own healing while also trying to show up fully for your children. If you're in that space, I’m here. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Co-parenting after a toxic divorce

Annie S.

I became a mom unexpectedly and married soon after, hoping to create something steady for my son. But not long into the marriage, I knew something wasn’t right. Still, I stayed. I wanted it to work, I tried counseling, therapy, and gave it everything I had. Over time, though, the relationship turned toxic and emotionally abusive. I felt stuck, unsure how to leave or start over, especially with two young boys depending on me. When they were 5 and 6, I finally made the hard decision to end the marriage. The divorce process was long and painful, and figuring out how to co-parent with someone I had so much history and tension with has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. But in the process, I’ve learned how to protect my peace, show up for my kids, and rebuild a life that feels like mine again. I share openly about this journey on Instagram and have connected with so many women who are also trying to navigate the chaos of co-parenting after a painful split. If you’re in the thick of it, I’m here to remind you: it’s not easy, but you can do this and you don’t have to do it alone.

Thriving after divorce as a single mom

Attayah M.

When I got married, I never imagined I would one day be raising my two kids on my own. After facing emotional, financial, and narcissistic abuse, I made the difficult decision to leave. I bought a home by myself and started over, even though I felt ashamed and suffered in secret for a long time. Co-parenting was challenging at first, but now, after five years, we have created a peaceful 50/50 relationship that supports our kids’ well-being. During this time, I tripled my salary and built a life that feels abundant rather than scarce. Therapy, supportive friendships, and a belief in manifestation helped me move from simply surviving to truly thriving. Sharing my journey helped inspire others, like a close friend who found the courage to leave her own unhealthy marriage after hearing my story. I want you to know you are not alone, and that a joyful, fulfilling life is absolutely possible after heartbreak.

Navigating co-parenting after a breakup or divorce

Calvin N.

Co-parenting after a breakup was one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn. I battled through high-conflict situations, emotional wounds, court battles, and the heartbreak of seeing my kids caught in the middle. Even after winning legal rights, I faced emotional setbacks like parental alienation and had to learn how to stay grounded while protecting my peace. Over time, I built healthier boundaries, kept the focus on my kids’ well-being, and learned when to step back from battles that drained me. I now support other parents who are navigating the complex, emotional road of co-parenting—especially when the relationship with your ex feels toxic or overwhelming.

Navigating family dynamics during addiction recovery.

Calvin N.

When I first started my recovery journey, my relationships with family were strained, especially with my kids and co-parents. The emotional toll of addiction had left scars, and trying to rebuild trust felt like an uphill battle. My decision to leave my job and focus on therapy, even after changing therapists multiple times, was one of the hardest choices I made, but it was necessary for my healing. Sobriety became my foundation on December 18, 2020, but learning to reconnect with my family and rebuild trust took time. I realized that recovery isn’t just about overcoming addiction; it’s about repairing relationships and being there emotionally for those who’ve been affected by my past. I now support others in similar situations, offering guidance to parents and family members who feel like the damage is too great to overcome. The key is patience—both with yourself and with those you love.

Managing emotional triggers around money

Carrie M.

Money conversations with my co-parent used to leave me feeling frustrated, misunderstood, and emotionally drained. Every discussion about expenses felt like a negotiation, and I found myself getting defensive or angry before we'd even started talking. It wasn't really about the money—it was about feeling like our priorities didn't align, like we saw our responsibilities differently, and like every financial decision became a reflection of who cared more about our kids. I realized I was bringing so much emotional baggage to these conversations that we couldn't actually solve anything. My hurt feelings, assumptions about their intentions, and fear of conflict were making every discussion harder than it needed to be. I had to step back and figure out how to separate the practical decisions from the emotional wounds. It wasn't easy, but I learned that I could only control my part of the conversation. The breakthrough came when I started focusing on what I could change—my communication style, my boundaries, and my perspective on these interactions. I learned to prepare for these conversations differently, to stay focused on the kids' needs rather than our past grievances, and to protect my emotional energy when discussions got heated. These conversations still aren't easy, but they don't derail my entire week anymore. If you're struggling with financial discussions in co-parenting, feeling triggered by money conversations, or exhausted by the emotional weight of these negotiations, I understand how isolating and draining this can be.

Navigating the challenges of special needs parenting and co-parenting through separation

Christine I.

I’ve been through a lot when it comes to parenting—raising four children, two of whom were adopted with special needs. My journey started with a very traditional upbringing, where gender roles were strictly defined. I married young and, over time, found myself taking on more of the responsibility for our children’s care, including advocating for them when they needed extra support. Unfortunately, this led to a growing disconnect between my ex and me, and we eventually separated. But through open communication and a focus on co-parenting, we’ve managed to create a positive environment for our children. Raising adopted kids, especially those with trauma, has been incredibly challenging. My son, Anthony, has severe ADHD, a history of substance exposure, and a head injury, which makes his needs complex. My daughter, Juliette, has autism, which added layers to our parenting experience. I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed and isolated, especially when you're trying to navigate the systems and support your children in ways others may not fully understand. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience. I’ve become a mentor for other parents dealing with similar struggles, whether it's understanding special education laws or finding ways to make sure their children are heard and supported. I’ve realized that advocating for my children, even through the hardest times, has made me stronger—and I want to help others do the same.

Raising a son alone and rebuilding after heartbreak

De A.

I became a single mom to my son when he was very young. His father wasn’t involved, so it was just me and him, figuring life out together. There were tough moments, like when he got in trouble at school for stealing, and I knew I had to step up even more — not with judgment, but with love, attention, and calm communication. Over time, I learned how important it was to be patient, to create a space where he felt supported even when he made mistakes. Meanwhile, my own relationship challenges left me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I leaned heavily on prayer, therapy, and the support of a few close friends to keep going. Now that my son is grown and out on his own, I can look back and see how strong those years made both of us. I still believe in love and new beginnings — and I believe that no matter how hard things get, you can find peace, strength, and hope again.

Parenting with a narcissistic partner

Dragana K.

Parenting with a narcissistic partner is incredibly hard. My husband left the hard parts of parenting to me, while using the fun moments to boost his image. At first, I thought he loved our sons. But over time, I saw his love was conditional—based on how much admiration they gave him. Once they started speaking up, he criticized them constantly. Nothing was ever good enough. I asked him to stop, but he wouldn't. So I focused on being their safe space—someone who listened, believed in them, and offered the warmth they weren’t getting from him. If you're navigating parenting in a similar situation, I’d love to support you and help you create stability for your kids.

Overcoming infidelity and divorce while learning to trust yourself again

Hayley D.

I met my husband in college and, like many young couples, I believed we’d built a strong foundation. We were married for six and a half years, and though I often felt small nudges from my instincts that something wasn’t right, I let things slide — hoping love would be enough. When I became pregnant with our daughter, everything started to unravel. Lies and infidelity shattered the trust I’d worked so hard to maintain. I had to face the reality that the life I imagined for us was no longer safe or healthy, and that I needed to make decisions not just for me, but for my daughter’s future. It was overwhelming trying to untangle a shared life — from the house to the dog — while protecting my own peace and the softness of my baby’s heart. I learned to trust myself in the hard moments, even when it meant walking away from what was familiar.

Navigating divorce and finding yourself again

Heather R.

I spent 17 years in a marriage that was far from easy. My husband struggled with mental health challenges, and although we tried counseling and made efforts to hold it together, infidelity and emotional distance slowly broke us apart. We separated in the fall of 2019, and like so many, the pandemic complicated everything. He moved back into the house during COVID, which made the separation feel even more tangled. Through all of it, I had to stay steady for my two children, who felt the weight of every shift and change. It wasn’t always graceful — some days were just about surviving the emotions, mine and theirs. But over time, I began to rediscover myself, figure out what I truly want in a relationship, and create a new version of happiness for my family. Now, I’ve found love again, and more importantly, I’ve found peace within myself.

The grief of parental alienation and how to keep going when your child feels out of reach

Holley B.

There is no grief like watching your child be turned against you — while you’re still alive, still loving them, still fighting to be in their life. Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse, and it leaves deep scars — not just on the targeted parent, but on the child who is caught in the middle. I never imagined I’d experience the pain of being erased, rejected, or falsely portrayed — especially after surviving so much and just wanting to give my child the love and safety they deserved. But through manipulation, lies, and control, I found myself grieving a child who was still alive… but emotionally unreachable. The grief of parental alienation is complicated. It’s ongoing. It’s not recognized or validated the way other kinds of loss are. But I want you to know: you’re not alone. I’m still in that place — and I’ve learned how to keep showing up with love, patience, and dignity, even when it hurts. If you’re living through this, I’m here to hold space with you. To grieve with you. To remind you that your love still matters — even if you can’t see the results yet.

Navigating relationship challenges and finding your voice

Jake A.

I’ve lived through a lot of relationship changes in my life—two divorces, co-parenting my son, exploring non-traditional relationship structures, and learning how to show up authentically through it all. Over the years, I’ve learned that no two relationships look the same, and that communication is the key to creating something healthy, whether it’s with a romantic partner, a co-parent, or even yourself. I’ve also built and run my own business, traveled the world, and formed meaningful connections with people from all kinds of backgrounds, which has shaped how I approach relationships and life in general. After a lot of reflection and growth, I’ve realized that sometimes the biggest roadblocks aren’t the obvious ones—they’re the deeper patterns we carry from childhood or past relationships. Now, I use everything I’ve learned to help others navigate difficult conversations, break through emotional blocks, and feel more confident expressing their needs. If you need a space to vent or want to explore solutions, I’m here.

Setting boundaries, navigating co-parenting, and healing after relationship challenges

Jay M.

I know what it’s like to be stuck between wanting to hold onto a relationship and realizing you deserve more. Over the years, I’ve worked through the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance love, ending an engagement, and learning how to walk away from connections that didn’t serve my growth. I also stepped into a co-parenting role when my Goddaughter came into my life, supporting her mother in raising a daughter between two homes and two states. I've spent the last 17 years learning how to build trust, communicate through conflict, and balance parenting, work, and personal healing. I’m passionate about helping people figure out what they truly need in their relationships—whether that's staying and building healthier communication or knowing when it's time to move on. If you’re facing relationship confusion, co-parenting challenges, or struggles with setting boundaries, I’m here to help you find clarity, confidence, and a plan forward.

Raising kids as a single parent through life’s hardest seasons

Jennifer P.

I became a mom at 19 and now have five kids ranging from a toddler to young adults. I’ve raised them through some incredibly tough seasons—divorce, domestic violence, co-parenting challenges, and the constant juggle of meeting everyone's needs without losing myself completely. I’ve had babies on my hip while calming down a teen, all while trying to figure out who I was in the midst of it all. There were times when the anxiety and depression felt louder than anything else, but therapy and leaning on trusted friends helped me stay upright. I’ve learned how to ask for help, how to trust my gut, and how to talk with my kids in ways that help them feel seen—even when things were messy. One of the biggest lessons? Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you’re failing. Now, I love supporting other parents who are deep in it. I don’t have all the answers, but I know how to listen, reflect, and hold space when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Navigating the challenges of 50/50 custody and single fatherhood

Joe K.

When my ex-wife and I separated, I had no idea what I was in for. We’d been together for years, and suddenly I found myself not only learning how to be a dad but how to be a dad alone. I was excluded from many of the day-to-day parenting tasks before the divorce, and when it became just me and the kids, I had to quickly figure out everything from school drop-offs to diaper changes on my own. There were many late nights in Target, asking for help from random employees and buying things I didn’t understand, then returning them to get the right size. Despite the overwhelming challenges, I fought for 50/50 custody. The process was long, grueling, and emotionally draining. I dealt with lawyers, court hearings, and even investigations into emotional abuse. At the same time, I was committed to therapy to stay sane through it all. I learned a lot about myself, my children, and how to co-parent with my ex, who was often difficult to work with. But through perseverance, I secured the time and financial arrangements I’d fought for. Now, I’m a single dad navigating life after divorce, dating again, and blending families with my partner. If you’re struggling with custody battles, adjusting to single fatherhood, or figuring out how to be a good co-parent, I’m here to listen, share what I’ve learned, and help you find a way through.

Supporting a transgender child through family acceptance struggles

Julia H.

As a parent of a transgender child, I’ve had to navigate the complexities of family acceptance. My ex-husband has struggled to accept our child’s identity, and I’ve often found myself in the middle of difficult conversations, trying to protect my child while maintaining family dynamics. I’ve watched my child face rejection and misunderstanding, and it’s been one of the toughest things I’ve ever experienced. But through it all, I’ve learned the importance of love, patience, and standing firm in my support. I’ve learned how to advocate for my child, even when it means challenging long-held beliefs within my own family. Along the way, I’ve had to process my own emotions and work through feelings of sadness and frustration, but I’ve also found joy in watching my child grow stronger and more confident in who they are. This journey has reshaped how I see family, love, and acceptance, and I’m passionate about helping others who are going through similar struggles. If you’re facing challenges with family acceptance, I’m here to walk alongside you and offer support.

Surviving an abusive relationship

Julie B.

I’ve been through a lot in my life, from raising a daughter with severe ADHD to surviving a traumatic, abusive relationship where I was kidnapped and held hostage. The challenges I’ve faced personally have inspired me to pursue a career in psychology, and today I work as a 911 dispatcher, where I help others navigate their most difficult moments. I’ve also gone through CIT training to better assist individuals in crisis. Despite the trauma, I’ve found strength in my experiences and use them to connect with and support others. One of the most meaningful moments of my career was when a woman I had helped leave an abusive relationship came to thank me in person. That moment solidified my commitment to helping people who are going through what I once did. I want others to know they are not alone, and that healing is possible.

Financial disagreements when love and money throw punches

Kari K.

Money is never just money. I've learned this through marriage, divorce, and building a business. I'll share how I've navigated tension, set boundaries, and made peace with being the one who has to talk about the budget first - without losing my mind or my dignity.