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.

Navigating single parenting after divorce

Alejandra M.

I got married young, but by the time I was 28, I was going through a divorce and adjusting to life as a single parent. My son’s father chose not to be involved from the beginning of my pregnancy, and I had to make the decision to move forward on my own. It wasn’t easy. I faced financial struggles, loneliness, and moments when the lack of family support made everything feel heavier. I leaned into support groups and community resources, connecting with other women going through similar experiences. Through that, I found strength and learned how to advocate for myself and my child. Over time, I built a network of friends who felt like family and taught myself how to balance parenting, working, and healing from the loss of my marriage. I also sought therapy, which helped me manage the anxiety and depression that showed up along the way. Now, I am passionate about supporting others who are facing the overwhelming reality of single parenting, reminding them that it's possible to rebuild a life full of joy, stability, and love.

Beginning a new life as a single mom after a divorce

Anjali B.

I’m a single mom raising three girls—my oldest is 20, and my identical twins are 15. After being married for 28 years, I was suddenly forced to make the difficult decision to get a divorce. I never expected to find myself in that position, but I was able to get the divorce finalized in less than six months from the time I filed. Along the way, I learned a great deal about women’s rights, financial matters, and the complexities of starting over. Going through this experience has taught me so much, and I feel deeply passionate about helping other women who are facing similar situations. I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the emotional and financial aspects of divorce, and I’m here to offer support, advice, and encouragement through the process.

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.

Supporting a child with psychosis while maintaining family unity as a single mom

Bambi J.

I became a single mom when my children's father passed away from pancreatic cancer. Raising three young adults was challenging, but it also taught me the true meaning of perseverance. One of my children struggled with mental illness, and I didn’t fully understand the severity of it until he was much older. As a working mom, I had to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, sometimes even disciplining over the phone while balancing my own career and emotional wellbeing. It wasn’t easy, and there were many sleepless nights. But through those years, I developed a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, working for over 20 years with NAMI and supporting others facing similar struggles. I’ve trained first responders, facilitated crisis intervention programs, and supported parents navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of having a child with psychosis. I know how important it is to stay present for your child, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Now, with my family thriving, including three granddaughters, I feel deeply fulfilled by the work I do helping others.

Supporting a child with psychosis while maintaining family unity as a single mom

Bambi J.

I became a single mom when my children's father passed away from pancreatic cancer. Raising three young adults was challenging, but it also taught me the true meaning of perseverance. One of my children struggled with mental illness, and I didn’t fully understand the severity of it until he was much older. As a working mom, I had to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, sometimes even disciplining over the phone while balancing my own career and emotional wellbeing. It wasn’t easy, and there were many sleepless nights. But through those years, I developed a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, working for over 20 years with NAMI and supporting others facing similar struggles. I’ve trained first responders, facilitated crisis intervention programs, and supported parents navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of having a child with psychosis. I know how important it is to stay present for your child, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Now, with my family thriving, including three granddaughters, I feel deeply fulfilled by the work I do helping others.

Raising a child with autism as a single parent

Carla M.

I became a mom at 19. At first, the father was supportive, but he left just months into my pregnancy, and I quickly realized I’d be doing this on my own. When my daughter was later diagnosed with high-functioning autism, I was overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. I didn’t know much about autism then, and I didn’t have a strong support system. But I dug deep. I asked questions, sought resources, and showed up every day, no matter how hard it got. Over the years, I’ve learned how to advocate, how to nurture my daughter’s independence, and how to honor both her needs and mine. She’s now a young adult, and watching her grow into herself has been the most rewarding part of my life. If you’re feeling isolated, exhausted, or just need someone who gets it, I’m here. I know how heavy it can feel—and how strong you really are.

Leaving a job that was hurting your mental health while parenting alone

Carleen H.

In 2021, I completely broke down. I was a single mom raising a 9-year-old, managing a demanding job, and trying to pretend I had it all under control. The truth? I was crying behind closed doors, forgetting things, losing sleep, and snapping at the people I loved most. I was barely surviving and felt like I was failing as a mom and a professional. One night, after yet another meltdown in the kitchen, I knew something had to give. I quit my job with no safety net—no partner, no backup plan, and very little support. It was terrifying. But that leap gave me space to rebuild. I started a company focused on helping parents teach their kids life skills for the real world. I had to learn to believe in myself again, redefine success, and accept that doing it all perfectly isn’t the goal—doing it with presence is. I’ve also been able to support others through similar struggles. A close friend of mine, also a single parent and startup founder, hit a deep depression recently. I sat with him in the darkness, shared my story, and helped him start seeing a way forward.

Navigating single parenting after a divorce

Carrie M.

After my divorce, I found myself thrown into the deep end of single parenting. At first, I felt completely overwhelmed. My son was young, and I was trying to balance working, managing the household, and figuring out how to provide emotional stability for both of us. I didn’t always have the answers and often felt exhausted. One of the hardest things was adjusting to the silence in the house after the divorce—no more shared responsibilities or support. It was up to me to create the structure and calm that we needed. Over time, I learned how to communicate my needs more clearly, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. I realized that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup, and that it was okay to ask for help and lean on my friends and family when I needed it. Now, after five years, I’ve become much more grounded in my role as a single mom. I’m no longer just surviving; I’m thriving, and I want to help others who are walking the same path.

Being a single mom after a divorce

Dawn K.

I’m a mother to a 16-year-old son, and through all the twists and turns of life, I’ve learned how strong I really am. Growing up, I was impacted by the tragic loss of a neighbor due to domestic violence, and it lit a fire in me to support women and families in crisis. When I was married, I became the sole breadwinner in our home—but just as our marriage was ending, I was laid off. It was one of the most challenging moments of my life. Suddenly, I had to figure everything out on my own. And I did. Since then, I’ve built a life I’m proud of. I believe I’m an excellent mom, and I’ve worked hard to provide stability, love, and support for my son. My journey has included every kind of relationship challenge you can think of—from heartbreak to healing—and I’ve come out of it with compassion, resilience, and a deep desire to help others.

Single parenting while raising a child with special needs

Diahanne L.

When my son was young, I noticed his speech was delayed, which led me into the overwhelming world of speech therapy, evaluations, and eventually an ADHD diagnosis. Navigating the IEP process for the first time was intimidating—I didn’t know what to expect, and those meetings often left me feeling like I was fighting for my child to be seen for his strengths instead of just his struggles. At the same time, I was managing a divorce, becoming a single parent of two, and trying to balance work, home life, and caregiving responsibilities. There were days I felt stretched thinner than I thought possible. Over time, I found support through therapy, parenting groups, and leaning on my close circle of family and friends. I learned how to advocate fiercely for my kids while also giving myself grace when things felt hard. I know how lonely and exhausting it can feel, and I’m here to listen, encourage, and share what helped me move forward.

Becoming a single mom and learning to cope after loss

Gabrielle G.

When my kids were born just 13 months apart, I thought the biggest challenge would be keeping up with their energy—but nothing prepared me for doing it alone. I started as a co-parent, but when their father walked out in 2020, everything shifted. Suddenly I was a single mom, managing the chaos and emotions without a partner to lean on. My own mother stepped in to help, and for a while, we made it work—until her sudden passing last year turned my world upside down. One night she was babysitting, and the next morning my daughter sent me a photo of her lying still. She had passed in her sleep, and we didn’t know until that terrifying moment. Since then, I’ve had to rebuild—emotionally, logistically, spiritually. I got my kids into counseling, and I’m starting therapy myself this month. Grief led me down a rough road, including a period of heavy drinking just to get by. But I’m choosing recovery and showing up for myself and my children one small step at a time. I know how lonely it can feel when it’s just you, trying to be everything for everyone, but I also know it gets better. If you're trying to hold it all together while grieving, I see you—and I'm here to talk about it.

Parenting through health challenges, single parenting, and building resilience after divorce

Ginny L.

When my son was just four years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to navigate the exhausting world of chemo while also parenting a small child. Later, my son was diagnosed with POTS and ADHD, adding new layers of challenges to our life together. In the midst of it all, I went through a divorce when he was thirteen and transitioned to single parenting. Through each of these experiences, I leaned on my background in healthcare, my deep understanding of mental health, and my belief in human resilience. Now, as a breast cancer survivor, an RN, and a mom of a thriving teen, I offer my calm presence and practical advice to others navigating tough life transitions, parenting challenges, or the emotional ups and downs of single parenting and recovery.

Parenting through health challenges, single parenting, and building resilience after divorce

Ginny L.

When my son was just four years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to navigate the exhausting world of chemo while also parenting a small child. Later, my son was diagnosed with POTS and ADHD, adding new layers of challenges to our life together. In the midst of it all, I went through a divorce when he was thirteen and transitioned to single parenting. Through each of these experiences, I leaned on my background in healthcare, my deep understanding of mental health, and my belief in human resilience. Now, as a breast cancer survivor, an RN, and a mom of a thriving teen, I offer my calm presence and practical advice to others navigating tough life transitions, parenting challenges, or the emotional ups and downs of single parenting and recovery.

Finding sobriety and breaking family cycles

Hillary W.

I come from a long line of highly educated, professionally successful, depressed, and anxious alcoholics. Even as a teenager, I knew my excessive drinking was a problem, and I could feel it taking root in ways that scared me. I got sober for the first time at 19 and stayed clean for 12 years, building a life I was proud of. But at 32, I relapsed and spent the next 15 years drinking and smoking pot, even as I managed to maintain a home, a full-time job, and raise two healthy, thriving children. On the outside, it looked like I was holding it all together, but inside, my life had become completely unmanageable. In March 2017, I checked myself into detox and returned to AA, where I found the community and tools I needed to start over — for real, this time. I’m so deeply grateful for my sobriety today and the peace it’s brought me.

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 single parenting, blended families, and co-parenting

Jessica T.

I'm a mom of two boys, 6 and 11, and a stepmom to a 22-year-old, as well as a grandma to two young girls. For over 20 years, I've worked as a mental health practitioner and social worker, and I’ve been through a lot of personal challenges that have shaped my ability to support others. I’ve experienced the ups and downs of single parenting, navigating co-parenting dynamics after my divorce, and stepping into a blended family. Along the way, I’ve faced the unique challenges of parenting children with behavioral and mental health struggles, which has taught me a great deal about patience, resilience, and understanding. As someone who has also struggled with depression and anxiety, I understand how hard it can be to juggle the demands of parenting, self-care, and relationships. I want to offer support to others going through similar situations, whether it’s adjusting to life as a single parent, managing the complexities of co-parenting, or creating a harmonious home in a blended family.

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.

Navigating single parenting and going through life’s messes

Katy W.

I became a mom at 25, and soon after, I found myself juggling the complexities of single motherhood. My son was diagnosed with autism, and my ex-husband’s alcoholism created an even more unpredictable and chaotic environment. Going back to school for my master’s degree at 31 while raising my son wasn’t easy—especially since I was living on public assistance during that time. But, despite the challenges, I made it through. I learned how to manage my emotions, not expect perfection from myself, and embrace the mess that comes with being a single parent. There were times I wanted to scream in frustration, but I learned to let go of some societal expectations about what "perfect" parenting looks like. My experiences with co-parenting, financial instability, and trying to create a stable home for my son have given me a deep well of empathy for anyone trying to do their best under tough circumstances. Now, as a therapist, I know how powerful it is to simply show up and be real with someone, rather than offering advice that doesn’t land. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up, messy and all.

Setting boundaries while caring for aging parents

Korey C.

I spent five years caring for my mom, who suffered from dementia. Looking back, I realize I was probably a caregiver for her long before her diagnosis. Growing up in a co-dependent household with an alcoholic, abusive father meant that I learned early on how to put others’ needs first—even when it wasn’t healthy. After my mom was diagnosed, I stepped in to provide care, all while raising three kids and working full-time. It was a delicate balance, and it felt like I was constantly giving but never receiving in return. What I didn’t know then was how important boundaries would be in preserving my own mental and emotional health. At first, I struggled to say “no,” feeling guilty about not doing enough. But over time, I learned how to set firm yet compassionate boundaries, both with my mom and with others who needed my support. It wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to stay emotionally grounded and avoid burnout. I’ve also spent a lot of time helping friends and family navigate caregiving roles, and I’ve organized resources for others dealing with aging or ailing parents. There’s no blueprint for caregiving, but I’ve learned that it’s vital to find your own balance and remember that self-care isn’t selfish.