The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) offers a tool to help single parents find child care/child support programs in their state, territory, or tribe. Most HHS assistance programs are available at the local and state levels. Key grants and benefits available for single moms and their families include TANF, food stamps, LIHEAP, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, among others. The government also offers federal programs and grants for low-income single moms.
To mark World Single Parent Day (21 March), there are several benefits that single parents could be eligible for. Universal Credit, previously known as Working Tax, is the most common type of benefit available in the UK. Other financial support for single parents includes the NHS Low Income Scheme and Council Tax. A single parent can claim deductions and exemptions for each qualifying child.
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that can be claimed by anyone responsible for a child under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they are still in education or training). Single parents have four options when filing for support: doing it solo at court, working with a mediator, hiring an attorney, or letting your state’s child support agency assist you. The Department of Human Services can assess, collect, and distribute child support payments.
The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is a payment for people under 66 who are raising their child without the support of a partner. From January 2012 onwards, the OFP is a financial support you may be eligible for if you are raising your child without support from a partner. Single parents are eligible for this benefit, and it can be claimed regardless of income. The current weekly rate for Child Benefit is £21. 15 for the eldest or you may be eligible for both the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) and a half rate of Maternity Benefit, once you meet the necessary conditions.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| One Parent Family Payment | One–Parent Family Payment (OFP) is a payment for both men and women who, for a variety of reasons, are bringing up a child, or children, without the support of … | inou.ie |
| One-Parent Family Payment Details | Be aged under 66; · Be a parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of a child; · Have a child aged 7 years or younger (there are exceptions, see … | onefamily.ie |
| One-Parent Family Payment | One–Parent Family Payment is a payment for parents under 66 who are not cohabiting, and whose youngest child is under 7. | gov.ie |
📹 7 Effects of Growing Up with a Single Parent
Did you grow up in a household where you had a single parent? A single mom or a single dad? Although having two parents in …
Where Can I Get Help If I'M A Single Parent?
Gingerbread offers valuable resources for single parents, especially those who have separated from their partners. In Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland is a supportive option, alongside Citizens Advice and Jobcentre Plus for benefits claims. The government provides several financial grants aimed at aiding low-income single parents with essentials like food, housing, and childcare. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is one such resource.
Various community organizations offer cash assistance and grants to help single mothers manage financial difficulties. Housing assistance programs can also support single parents in securing affordable living arrangements. Immediate housing help might be available through local programs, and eligibility can often expedite the process. It's crucial for single parents to familiarize themselves with welfare programs, including cash and food assistance.
Resources such as the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) facilitate access to childcare support. For comprehensive support, Benefits. gov serves as an informative platform detailing federal and state programs for single parents. Numerous assistance avenues exist, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Local support groups can provide further encouragement and community connection.
What Is The Single Mom Syndrome?
Single Parent Stress Syndrome (SPSS) describes the emotional, physical, and mental strain experienced by single parents due to their unique challenges. Although not a medical term, it embodies the overwhelming feelings of depression, burnout, and stress, especially prevalent among single mothers. The pressures of raising children alone, managing finances, and finding personal time create an intense emotional load. Single mothers may experience heightened emotions and the burden of juggling work and childcare responsibilities, often leading to feelings of loneliness and exhaustion.
This phenomenon can be further complicated by what is termed Single Mom Syndrome, where a mother may feel overly attached to her child, believing she is the best caregiver but inadvertently neglecting her own needs.
Single parents frequently encounter issues such as judgment from others, conflicts with ex-partners, and sleep deprivation, contributing to mental health challenges. The term "Depleted Mother Syndrome" (DMS) highlights the imbalance between increasing demands on mothers and dwindling resources, amplifying emotional distress.
Moreover, there’s recognition of further implications for children raised without a father figure, as they may face increased risks for mental health problems. The struggles of single parenting often lead to feelings of being financially stretched, isolated, and having little personal time. The concept of "Superhero Syndrome" emerges as single parents feel compelled to take on every responsibility alone, leaving them overwhelmed yet highly tuned in to their children's needs. Supporting their mental health is crucial, as they navigate the complexities of parenting solo.
What Financial Support Can I Get As A Single Mum Or Dad?
If you're a single mum or dad managing your family's budget, various financial supports are available to aid with housing, childcare, food, and medical expenses. Updated annually, benefits rates are current until March 2024. State social services distribute federal resources to assist single parents. A valuable resource for understanding available support is Benefits. gov, which provides information on grants and application processes. TANF, which provides grants to states, aids low-income families and pregnant women.
Financial assistance is crucial for single parents facing hardships, and programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children can be beneficial. Various entities, such as Wealthy Single Mommy, offer cash grants to support single moms. Single fathers also have access to government resources. Income support is available through multiple avenues for single mothers experiencing disabilities. Both federal and state programs provide assistance for essentials like food, rent, healthcare, childcare, and education.
Organizations such as Life of a Single Mom provide further assistance. Food aid options like The Emergency Food Assistance Program and educational grants like the Federal Pell Grant are extended to low-income parents. For specifics, local welfare offices can guide single parents to available support, including scholarships and funding for daily necessities. Overall, numerous resources can empower single parents to stabilize their financial situations and support their families effectively.
What Happens When You Are Raised By A Single Parent?
Single parenting has notable positive effects on children despite the challenges that come with it. One key benefit is the strong, unique bond that often develops between a single parent and their child, facilitated by the increased quality time they spend together. Children in single-parent households are often surrounded by supportive communities, fostering resilience and connection. The common causes of single parenting include divorce, teenage pregnancy, and the unwillingness of partners to share responsibilities.
While single-parent families face issues like increased poverty—30. 7% of families led by single mothers lived below the poverty line in 2019 compared to only 7. 9% of married couples—there are positive aspects as well. For instance, children raised by single parents often become self-sufficient and resourceful, learning to navigate challenges creatively.
They also witness their parent's hard work and dedication, instilling valuable life lessons and resilience. While some statistics show that children from single-parent families may experience higher risks of educational struggles, emotional difficulties, and behavioral issues, it is crucial to recognize the potential for growth and strength in these environments. Ultimately, single-parent families exemplify diversity in family structures, and the love and effort of single parents can significantly influence their children's development.
How Much Money Do You Get For One Child?
As of 6 April 2024, the Child Benefit rates are set at £25. 60 weekly for the eldest or only child and £16. 95 for younger children. The Child Tax Credit for 2024 can be up to $2, 000 per qualifying child, with a refundable portion of up to $1, 700. For children under 6, families may receive up to $3, 600, while children aged 6 to 17 can provide up to $3, 000. For the 2025 tax year, the Child Tax Credit will increase to $8, 046 for three qualifying children and $7, 152 for two.
Eligibility for the full 2023 credit requires an annual income not exceeding $200, 000 ($400, 000 if married). SNAP, as of January 2022, averaged $243. 42 per person, and $460. 64 per household. Childcare costs can also be claimed, with credits of up to $1, 050 for one child and $2, 100 for two or more. In the period from July 2024 to June 2025, families could receive up to $3, 322 monthly for eligible disabled children. Adjusted USDA estimates imply the annual cost of raising a child born in 2023 could be between $16, 227 and $18, 262.
Can You Get Money For Being A Single Parent?
In the U. S., single mothers do not have dedicated public benefits programs, but low-income families with minor children can access various assistance programs regardless of marital status. Single parents may receive child tax credits of up to $3, 600 for children under six and $3, 000 for those aged six to seventeen, significantly reducing tax liabilities and potentially leading to refunds. Government support includes financial grants for essentials like food, housing, and childcare.
While hardship loans exist, they are risky, often requiring repayment with interest and risking rejection due to perceived applicant risk. Resources such as Benefits. gov can guide single parents to available grants and aid. While affordability varies across states, for example, raising one child in Alabama is manageable on around $45, 000 a year, California demands over $62, 000. Despite financial hurdles, the government does provide assistance to help single parents secure necessary resources for child-rearing.
Programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are available at local levels, addressing the unique challenges single parents face. Additionally, educational financial aid options like Pell Grants assist single parents pursuing higher education, further supporting their financial stability. Overall, numerous federal resources exist to alleviate the financial burden on single mothers, promoting better living conditions for their families.
What Am I Entitled To As A Father?
Fathers possess several rights regarding their children, including Equal Parental Decision-Making (joint legal custody), which ensures both parents have equal say in crucial decisions related to the child's medical, educational, and religious upbringing. Generally, military benefits for adult children cease at age 21 and fully end by age 27, though full-time college students can receive Tricare until age 23.
Surviving relatives of veterans or service members may be entitled to additional support, such as burial cost assistance and survivor compensation. In the event of a parent's death, if a valid will exists, all children should be included, and benefits may extend to pension rights from various entities.
In California, employees may be eligible for CFRA leave for significant family events. A father in the UK has parental rights, such as involvement in child custody and visitation, and can enter agreements to ensure parental responsibility. Rights include consultation before adoption and the ability to apply for guardianship or custody. Courts evaluate all claims for parenting rights, and mothers typically share equal rights and responsibilities regarding child care. A father's duty encompasses providing for the child's basic needs, education, and emotional well-being, advocating for his role in the child's life.
How Much Is The One Parent Family Payment?
The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is designed for individuals under 66 who are raising children without partner support. To qualify, the youngest child must be under 7 years old. As of 2024, the maximum personal weekly rate is €232, with additional payments for dependent children. For children under 12, an extra €46 is provided weekly, and for those aged 12 and over, €54 is available. This means-tested payment assesses all sources of income to determine eligibility.
Currently, the maximum payment is €232, plus child support. Additionally, OFP recipients may also qualify for various allowances. For instance, individuals in need can receive food assistance. For parents like Anne, who receives the maximum payment along with seasonal allowances, financial support is crucial. Starting in January 2024, core weekly payment rates, including OFP, will increase by €12. Overall, the One-Parent Family Payment aims to assist single parents in providing for their children while allowing them to work without losing essential financial support.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Legal Father?
Establishing paternity offers essential benefits for both children and fathers, particularly in situations involving unmarried parents. For children, having a legal father ensures access to Social Security, inheritance rights, comprehensive medical history, and potential benefits related to insurance and veterans’ programs. It provides them with the same rights and advantages as those born to married parents, enhancing their opportunities for a supportive family environment.
For fathers, establishing paternity confers crucial legal rights and responsibilities. This includes the ability to participate in significant decisions regarding the child’s welfare, potentially leading to a stronger parent-child bond based on love and care. Legally recognized fathers can pursue custody or visitation, ensuring they maintain their connection with their child.
Moreover, having a legal father increases the likelihood of children forming relationships with their paternal extended family. It also serves to financially and emotionally support mothers, creating a more stable home environment. Importantly, establishing paternity enhances the father’s legal standing, allowing him to seek court orders for custody and visitation, protecting his rights, and incentivizing active involvement in the child's life. Overall, the legal acknowledgment of paternity benefits all parties involved, fostering a better future for the child.
What A Child Inherits From Father?
Traits such as specific ear lobe shapes or finger lengths can be inherited from one’s father, while unique traits like webbed toes may be linked to the Y chromosome, leading to Y-linked disorders passed directly from fathers to sons. Inheritance rights for children primarily depend on whether a deceased parent left a valid will. With a will, the distribution of probate assets is defined, but without one, state laws dictate inheritance.
Interestingly, children often inherit their IQ levels more from their fathers than their mothers. A nurturing father plays a significant role in enhancing cognitive skills, language development, and problem-solving abilities.
Unlike spouses, adult children lack legally protected rights to inherit property from a parent who dies intestate, though many states prevent adult and minor children from being unintentionally excluded from a will. Each person has 46 chromosomes, with 23 inherited from each parent, containing numerous genes responsible for various traits. Physical traits and even cognitive abilities might be inherited through dominant genes, and the father’s genetic contribution can significantly influence a child's characteristics, such as hair color and texture.
Additionally, specific traits like biological sex, height, and certain disorders can also be inherited directly from the father, highlighting the complex interplay of genetics in determining who we are.
📹 The real effects of single-parent households Stephanie Gonzalez TEDxCarverMilitaryAcademy
Stephanie isn’t in denial, the stats for single parents and child with single parents are pretty grim. Stephanie shares her story of …
Don’t see many people commenting with single fathers. Guess it’s even rarer than I thought. It’s just been me and my dad since my mum passed away when I was thirteen. My grandparents had passed away when I was young too so it really was just the two of us, but we’re really close and we’re pretty happy muddling through life together
Growing up in a single parent household seemed far more positive for me than if I had both. My biological father was a pretty garbage person, and my mother is fantastic. She influenced me to finish school, go to college, and follow my dreams. I am very greatful for how my Mom raised me, and she means the world to me.
I grew up with a single mother. They coparented for awhile but eventually it was just my mom raising me and my dad was just a babysitter. My mom worked hard to give me the best life she could. I had so much fun with her, and I have a very strong and special bond with my mom. Some people are jealous of the relationship my mom and I have. I love her to death and shes pushed me through anxiety and depression in the best way, has been there for me and supported me through everything. Shes a very strong person and shes been through quite a lot yet she was able to raise me and be a fucking kickass mother. I’m the first kid she raised, so now that I’m graduating highschool in less than two months shes becoming excited for it. She said shes gonna cry her eyes out and shes gonna be a mess. I’m happy knowing that no matter what she has my back and will be there for me when I need it, but she will be blunt and honest about any mistakes I make. I’m grateful to have a mother like her
No dad. No clue what happened to him. I don’t really feel like I’m missing anything and I don’t feel that sadness (amongst other emotions) knowing your parents split up or that one of them isn’t home often enough to connect with. I hate when people say my problems come from not having a “male figure”… I’m almost perfectly fine and I love my mother. Almost everything wrong with me happened when she wasn’t around and she’s helps me deal with those things, even if they’re just emotional problems.
My Mum is a single parent and has raised me and my 2 other sisters since I was a year old. I’m currently 14. We were diagnosed with Autism, Asperger and ADHD. In which I only had Autism and ADHD and my sisters had Asperger and ADHD. I am living just fine without having a man in my life. Yeah, I’d like to have one. But it doesn’t effect me negatively. My social skills are decent, my grades are above average, my mental health is recovering and my satisfaction with life is high. I don’t find anything negative about it.
I’ve always seen single parenting more stressful. That parent might work more, struggle to take care of their children and when it gets stressful they may depend on the child too much, or get frustrated with them. I’d definitely prefer parents fighting or depending on eachother rather than one taking out their frustration on their children or depending way too much on them. However, this is only my experience.
I was eighth when my dad died The last food he made me was a bowl of fried okra And the last words he said were over the phone since I was at my grandmas “I love you Autumn” When I woke up the next morning My mom was next to me with bad 0news “Autumn . your dad is…. Dead …in sorry” I was traumatized Confused And hurt I wanted to cry and throw up The night after his funeral I forgot he died and waited for him to come home from work . he never did I said ” mom where’s dad?” She began to cry “He’s nowhere but in heaven dear…” After starting fourth grade public school I was shy and didn’t talk to anyone I was weird And an outcast My birth defect in my eyes didn’t make it any better Fifth grade cane and I was worse I got bad grades and didn’t pay attention I had to repeat it I got better grades and good friends And I am still with them in the 6th grade at the moment Thank you for listening to my story
This only addresses mother who are single because of divorce. It doesn’t address single fathers. It also doesn’t address the situation where there was never a second parent in the picture (like if a person with a uterus decides on IVF, or if a person adopts with the intention of being a single parent). It also ignores the fact that there are two parent households without a man. There are also two parent households without any women as parents.
I feel like single fathers are less common, but I am living with my dad. Mom died when I was 10 from brain cancer and I had to grow up real quick. My family is in Scotland and the east coast, so we don’t see them much. My dad did try to date again, but it ended very badly. Anyway, he raised my brother and I well, and I’m happy he tried his hardest to do what we want and to make us happy❤❤ now I’m nearly done w/ HS and planning to go to college after I graduate in 2020~
Just for anyone perusal this who grew up in a single parent house hold and thinking they’ll amount to nothing, I did and I’m now in my last year of my phd and would say I’m on track to a “successful” happy life, your beginning doesn’t determine your end 💗 also just a side note to any single parents I know it’s hard but your doing amazing and we appreciate you even if we don’t show it 🥰
I grew up in a single parent home and had a positive experience, and my mum was a great role model. My mum and I are very close and, although it wasn’t as common to see single parent families when I was a kid, I never felt like I was missing out. Another positive is that I think it made me more independent. I could cook meals, do ironing, etc at a young age, because I had to fend for myself when Mum got sick. It would be interesting to see if there’s much difference between only-children or multiple children with single parents. Also, I imagine that whether it’s a single dad or mum with a boy or a girl would be different too.
I grew up with only a single mother until she got married in 2009. Once she got married, my mom and her husband were constantly fighting with one another, to the point that she said that the relationship was abusive. Compared to living with a single mother, living in a two-parent household messed me up worse.
My dad passed away 7 years ago, I was 13 back then. Spent all my teenage years without a father and I noticed that my bond with my mother and my brother has become intensely close, due to the fact we’re missing someone in our family. In our household, it’s all about teamwork… Of course, we have our differences and struggles, but we always work it out together.
I wonder if those studies took into account the income of the parent(s) as a factor. Because most single mothers have to struggle financially and this most definitely has an effect on children. And this also happens in two parent households but not as severe as with a single mother because theres two incomes.
I grew up in a single parent home and admit that in the beginning it was good. However, as I got older things became more strained and my father became an angry man, often blaming us for things he chose to do. One day I had enough and told him to stop putting the blame on us for decisions he made. He sort of got the message. Moreover, he relied on us so much that rather than letting go as most parents do once children reach adulthood, he became more controlling and possessive to the point I literally ran away from home to live in peace. Eventually, I cut off contact with him. It wasn’t until my sister gave him an ultimatum that he realised what he had been doing and finally apologised for how he had acted with us. After that, our relationship improved until he passed away. Note: I had cut off contact with my mother at a young age because of how toxic she was. The lies, deception and betrayal were too much for me to bear at a young age, so cutting her out of my life was my only option.
I went through my pregnancy alone and now I’m continuing on being a single mom. And yes, our bond is stronger and we are closer than most. She’s loving and affectionate all round a very happy child. If her father had stayed I don’t think this would’ve happened coz he straight up told me he has no empathy, and that my pregnancy was a mistake. Some kids are indeed better off if the parent is toxic.
My dad passed away when I was 7, growing up without a father is difficult for me, whenever i am taking in a group and when someone says something about their dad then they all stars taking about their dads, but i…. I stay silent and keep a fake smile on my face. But when someone asks something about my dad then i feel soo good after talking about my dad, i just love to talk about my dad but i barely have any memories but whenever my siblings talk about my dad i get soooo happy. I wish i had my dad for a little more time i don’t even remember his voice, but i can’t do anything except trying to be happy. I love you Abbu 😭
I grew up without my father and long time I didn’t even know who he is. I day dreamed about my father wondered how it is to have one. I often cried because I was sad that he wasn’t there. I’m an adult now and I can tell, I don’t want my future children to grow up without a father. I think it’s horrible.
My parents got divorced when I was 8, but dad leaving home was the best thing for my mother. She became very independent and confident and had more freedom. Not everything mentioned in the article was a match for me, but I can say that after my parents’ divorce, I saw my grandfather on mom’s side as my father figure, since my father never really spent quallity time with me and my sister. What was worse in the situation is the fact that mom could not find someone to trully care about her, because she was too indepedent.
im a male 19 year old and my dad left at birth… its weird to think that my upbringing would’ve been different if i had two parents, my mother is disabled so my upbringing was slow. my sister who was 4 years older than me had a teenage pregnancy and after having the child decided to move away and leave me and my mum to raise her, its weird because now shes growing up i am her father figure which brings me joy because i am able to provide her with the thing i was never able to have. i am a very resilient person but everything that has happened in my life has caused depression and loneliness but i keep my chin and and smile the thing i like to think is that although its been hard, it couldve been harder, my mother has always tried the best she possibly can to allow me to move on in life, and my only goal is to make her proud and to provide for her and my niece thank you for listening
I am a single parent and I found this article so right on. I am much closer with my children and we do rely on each other. I am aware of the risks so we discuss many of these issues. It was very unhealthy when we lived with their father and I had to remove them. They are much calmer and although they dealt with trauma we are all much happier. My kids also have a SUPER close relationship with both sets of grandparents. Thanks for this article!! I discuss some of these things on my own website as I am also a recovering addict. I can say my kids and I, although we don’t have everything we would want in life, we are extremely close, loving, affectionate, and I wouldn’t want it any other way! 💜💜
I had a friend whose dad died when he was really young His mom was really “broken” His home life was really bad, he hated his home and his mom Some of his friends were people he hated and he was deeply depressed I was lucky enough to find out after my own experience with depression I did my best to help him and temporarily I managed that, but… It was too late…he needed psychiatric help but couldn’t and didn’t want to get it…
It’s interesting how single parenthood has become the norm today. Married or not, people should really think about this possibility if they decide to have children. I have both of my parents and they have been married for almost 37 years now; I am very grateful for that and lucky. I couldn’t imagine living with only one of them as a child…
Summary 🙂 1. Boys tend to be more idle in young adulthood 2. Girls are at a higher risk for teen pregnancy 3. Single parent families can actually be more beneficial in some cases (more peaceful environment) 4. Kids with a single parent might end up having a stronger relationship with that parent 5. Kids with single parents might end up being less satisfied in life 6. There could be an increased risk of psychiatric issues 7. Children with single parents benefit immensely from a strong relationship with their grandparents This is a 1 yr old article so I didn’t find any summary guy.. that’s why I wrote it. It has become a regular thing in all psych2go articles, I’ve noticed people find it helpful. So please don’t think that I’m devaluing the article. I would of course recommend perusal the full article ❤️
I was raised by a single mother. Even though she says she tried her best, I had to learn how to become a man myself. I was bullied my whole childhood because of how submissive I was and I can see the scars it’s left behind now. It sounds very old fashioned, but boys are extremely negatively affected by the lack of a strong father figure, and it’s shown to cause higher crime rates too.
I recently found my self with a lot of self sadness, after some thought and a talk from my mom about my recent changes I came to the realization that a large part of it is likely from growing up with 3 sisters and my mom. I build up anger with no way to vent it and never got the proper guidance from a man (Although my father is still present but divorced from my mother). Growing up small made it hard for me to continue sports into highschool, as a result of this I spent my highschool years hanging out with friends and playing lots of articlegames, this only furthered my anger and removed a major way to vent anger through sports. It is only now that I am realizing this and really just want to ask for some help, I need to put all my anger somewhere.
My mom left when I was about 5 and I never got to do anything my friends or other kids got to do (Vacations, traveling out of State, getting help on school work, going to friends houses, help getting over my problems, etc.) You always hear about single mother childhoods but it seems single father homes are overlooked.
My childhood was chaotic, but I survived. I fell in love, joined the military, got married, and had a baby last year. Looking back on my life, I have many regrets. I feel like an empty person. I don’t want to become like my bipolar mother or my absent father. I should be happy. This July I tried taking my life. Since I survived, I’ve been doing research on single family homes and how growing up without a mother can affect a boy. My conclusion is, he will be okay without me. It’s best if I leave now before I become a monster. I tried getting help, I don’t feel better. My son is only a year old but I don’t think I can stay any longer. My husband is so sweet and supportive but I feel sick in the head. I worry about my baby boy. I don’t want him to get hurt or abused, but I don’t think me sticking around will be enough. To whoever reads this, I’m sorry, I just needed to vent. I’m scared.
I am single parent, raising alone a boy and a girl. Their dad died when they were 4 and 6 years old.No grandparents available ( they live far from us) We are alone 10 years, they are 16 and 14 now. It’s challenging but definitely possible to do it very very successfully. I always get a bad feeling when I listen to articles like this one because I can see children growing up in families with two parent having serious issues, mental disorders and many.other problems. One parent and life in peace, love and understanding is much more successful formula than two parents fighting, or one of them narcissistic and the other one codependent. Many other combinations of two parents are more harmful for children than living with one parent. My children have many friends growing up in families with two parents and they are terribly unhappy. There is no rule in fact.
I was adopted and I was adopted by my mother and I know nothing about my biological parents. So I know nothing about what having two parents in the home feels like. I definitely feel that I have a easier time being single because I don’t feel the need for a guy in my life. I also feel that I’ve gotten to know myself and my mother a lot. I respect her tremendously
honestly, i cried perusal this. for anyone battling problems with their parents, just know you’re not alone and never lose faith in yourself. life has been hard for me and i’m still so young. all i know is, winners never quit, and quitters never win. stay positive even when it’s hard. love yourself even when it’s hard, and have faith in yourself even when it’s hard. if you’re reading this i love you. take care.
I’m glad that there was a disclaimer after the link between having a single parent and mental health issues because my friend group is kind of the opposite of that. All my friends with nuclear (and mostly happy) families are the ones who have/had mental issues like depression and anxiety. While me with my single parent house hold is perfectly fine
I grew up with a single parent cause my dad died when I was 4 months and I had autism, plus my step-dad was verbally abusive, and my grandmother took custody of me after seeing my step-dad in the middle of his verbal abuse. Even though my mom is working alot, whenever she does visit the house, me and her have a very sweet connection when we talk! Though I do have mild anxiety due to school issues and the constant shouting from my aunt and cousins and mild depression due to threats I sometimes get online, whenever I tell my mom while she’s visiting, she always does her best to comfort me and show me its gonna be fine! This article was really informative and well made Psych2go! 🙂
my mom has been a single parent for half of my childhood, getting in horrible relationships and recently getting back with my dad, that was the worst part. she is single, happy. im just a child that has a single parent. she took all these years taking care of me, and i wanna repay her one day. (not in a retirement home) but just a small gift, and i hope she’ll like it.
It’s nice to see the perception on single parenting shift from something inherently bad to something that’s maybe not ideal but at least nothing to be ashamed of. My mom grew up with a single father and four siblings in the 70s/80s where single parent families, especially those with single fathers, were frowned upon and publicly shamed and bullied for it. Both my mom and her older sister moved past that though and went on to study and get jobs that no one in the family had previously even dreamed of. My mom still has a very negative view of divorce because of her experiences though.
My dad abused me for the first year of my life, and I’ll always respect my mom for ending the marriage, especially in a time when divorce wasn’t common at all. He disappeared from our lives, but my uncle, his older brother, was wonderful to us, My mom also had a lovely long-term gentleman friend who was a big part of my childhood in a positive way, and I was also extremely close to my grandparents. My grandfather was the finest man I have ever known, someone I could love and trust absolutely. I’ll always feel a certain sadness about my father, but having an extended family that always made me feel cared for and valued made a huge difference.
My mum is a psychopath that likes to break our family up any chance she can get. My father was an amazing man that never ever said a bad word about her and made sure he was always there for me growing up and into adulthood. He was the glue that held us all together and mum is the acetone that keeps breaking us apart.
as someone who grew up without a father, ive started to become aggressive with people and push them away because to me if they really wanted to be in my life they would fight to stay with me. because my dad wasn’t there, i feel like people are not allowed to just walk in my life anymore. and them leaving will make me push people away even more. all my other siblings have their dad and im the only one without, so it tears me apart when they get to go with their dad and im still with my mom. i don’t talk about my feelings, and when people ask me if im okay i get mad, “why should they care about how i feel.” i feel worthless.
My father had cancer when I was 2 and my parents decided not to have any more children. He died when I was 6 and it was just my mom and I ever since. With my mom at work I was home alone a lot and that meant I got to do whatever I wanted. Eventually though all my freedom came cashing down as I never graduated high school and was instead thrown into a job to help support my mom. This article really speaks to me and I wonder just how different my life would have been if my father was still alive today.
I raised my 3 children with zero help from their dad or even any family members. I worked my butt off to provide and you know what ALL 3 of my kids, 2 boys and 1 daughter are all college graduates. One son is even a PhD so in our case being a single mom was beneficial.. My kids are happy and successful I couldn’t be more proud of them.
There are pros and cons to having both mommy and daddy take care of you too. A person with both mommy and daddy are usually spoiled think they are better than most people, snobby easy life people. When you are raised by one parent you start off with low confidence and self esteem but as you get older you become stronger and then you grow so strong you don’t even let a hard life bother you because you are so strong that you just don’t feel it. You are a warrior
I live with my mother only but the thing is growing up they took turns taking care of me, Like one day i’d go over to my dad’s house say hi to my siblings and go back home. Now that i’m older that doesn’t happen to often but it doesn’t mean I don’t love my father just as much as my mom. But me and my mom are more closer and I wouldn’t want to live any other way i’m just glad that both of my parents are happy.
Having separated parents since I was an infant really effected me. My dad fought my mom to see us, and my mom was always stressed. Yes there was times where I felt loved, but it affects my relationships, my mind, and other significant factors. I suffer through a lot of psychological disorders from trauma of the violence, but I know that one day I am strong and good enough for myself.
I remebered every single moment that ever happened when my parents were fighting while my sister just supressed those memories and she didnt even remember why they got a divorce while i remember every single insults thrown,every single threats,every single fights and how it occurs.well someones gotta remember
My parents divorced when I was 4 and my brother was 6. We stayed with our mom. When I was 20, I finally decided to completely cut ties with my father, he had become… too different and too evil. Now, I am 23 and… it’s strange because when I think about building a family, I don’t see myself raising a child with someone. Yes I can see myself getting married, a happy life couple, but… raising a child with another person ? Suddenly I feel uneasy. It’s been a few year since I’ve realised that it’s because I never had a model of what it’s like to have a “normal” family.
2:45 yeah it all fun games until the single parent passed away. The longing, the missing, the hurting is stronger too!! My parents divorced when i was 11, and im with my papa after that. I love him so much till i grew anxious whenever my father go out anywhere by himself. But when i was 19, he passed away
I grew up with only my mom. I think it’s because my dad cheated on my mom before i was born. I have a older brother (he’s a pr!ck) that lives with me and my mom. My mom is protective and cares deeply about me and my brother. She also encourages us to do the things we want to do (like with my dream of becoming a artist). But she doesn’t like it when we disobey the rules. She’ll yell at us but NEVER hit us. My dad has been absent for most of my life so far. He rarely visits and rarely calls. He claimed that he was busy in the past so he couldn’t visit as often. But that still gives him no excuse for not visiting or calling! The last time he called was months ago. The last time he visited was months ago! There was once this time when he didn’t visit for YEARS! My mom was the reason we got to talk to him in the past because SHE called HIM. He’s a funny and kind dad but he’s very absent. I only feel a small connection with him. But with the yelling part of my mom… it hurts me inside to see her angry. I hate it when she yells. I hate it when she’s in pain. I hate it when she’s stressed. Words hurt more than actions. When my mom yells, it hurts more than a scraped and bloody knee (i felt that and it hurts badly). I care for her deeply and she cares for me. I don’t know how this might effect me in the future but whatever it is, I’ll push through any hard ships.
My mum passed a couple of years back… I haven’t had a great relationship with my family, I often feel awkward talking to my dad and I fight with my brother a lot (but that’s just normal sibling behaviour) my grandparents live on the other side of the world so I don’t often keep in contact with them… however overall, I’ve made friends and I’m ok… I think…
My parents separated when I was very young, and stepdad came into the picture not too long after. Then my dad died. And honestly my stepdad has never truly been a dad role for me. So I’m lacking the benefits single parenting may have. Also, my mom and stepdad have always had super calm, quiet arguments (my mom and dad I don’t remember cuz I was too young), and they avoided having any arguments in front of my brothers and I. The outcome is that I cannot have arguments with people, even just to defend myself. I don’t talk and will mostly cry because of my feeling of severe anxiety and overwhelm. Its been a huge process of 5 years to be able to have an okay argument/discussion back and forth with my SO 🥴
Sometimes the parent that you have left fetishizes the missing role. I knew where my dad was, I didn’t visit him often, I knew he was a decent enough guy. No one ever made me feel like I was missing out on anything though. My mom provided a great life for us and I had an older sister. My home was more out together than some of my friends with two parents. People tried to make me feel bad about having a single mom as a kid but I just never cared.
Growing up with a single mom parent/ a dad that visits irregularly I was never pushed to do anything so in a way now that i’m in my 20’s lack of self discipline with a wake up call to grow up it flips into a 180 on that category. Be thankful for having a dad that forces you to do stuff kids lol you don’t want to have to arrive at 18 finding out you have to grow up while having no experience. Good thing there’s good information on the internet now. Youtube use to have very little view counts and it was mostly troll articles xD
Single parent situations are a real issue. Women fought so hard for birth control, safe termination, “my body my choice”, sexual liberation, the right to be promiscuous and yet many dont want to take responsibility for the outcomes when they have unplanned pregnancies for men who are crap. Today men are expected to bear all the responsibility without authority and women want all the authority but be never held accountable for their actions (obviously rape, widows don’t count). Women can’t raise a boy into a man so the most important decision woman makes as a mother should happen before she even conceives- pick a good a man who is willing and ready to commit to you and be a GOOD FATHER to your kids.
Iam single mother of one, I have traumatized memories because of my parent’s relationship with each other and with us( off spring). My maternal gradma was single mother as well but my uncle( my mother’s brother) is very successful than those children around raised by both parents other siblings are also doing good. My child having good relationship with grandparents. God bless all kids with single/ both/without parents.
I am a single parent and have been for about 17 years, I have an adult child & a very young child … my children are my biggest achievement & total priority. I have made mistakes in my choice of partner but always put my children first . My eldest son is very happy, at university, my youngest very happy, we enjoy a very close loving relationship… in my experience the factors that determine an increased risk of depression etc are mainly financial, governments particularly despise single mothers who need extra financial support, there are more children living in poverty today than in the last 3 decades, it is shocking and direct,y correlates to depression, crime, substance misuse & the feeling of hopelessness both for the parent & child. Financial stability gives choices and offers positive experience & opportunities to children, for the majority of single parents who manage entirely on their own this is by far the hardest part.. Good parenting requires abundant parental love, consistency, teach respect & kindness, self confidence, healthy boundaries and teaching children to love, be inquisitive, creative, resourceful & resilient, with this recipe they will grow up happy, & confidant . However from my own childhood toxic families/warring parents with personality issues are the most damaging to a child, as is any form of abuse, wether sexual, physical, emotional ( particularly covert narcissistic abuse) wether in a two or single parent setting. I wished my parents had divorced 25 years before they did and be spared being dragged into their perpetual toxic marriage.
My dad raised me as my mom passed away when I was 7 due to alcoholism, than I went to foster care w my aunt who was a single mom.. When I got pregnant I had a kid with a guy I was dating for 2 years, very little knowledge on healthy choices.. I left him when my daughter was less than a year she is now 5. We had a lot of fights and abuse, he continues to abuse drugs, and I stopped. I feel resentful at him but I need to learn and focus on myself so my daughter can a better life than hold onto resentment on what he is doing. I reported and tried to fight him in court but they ignore me and only care if the child says they arent safe, in my case. She hasn’t yet
I’m so glad to see that Single Parenthood is getting a spot with some positivity (ie: the close and unique bond, the suggestions on how this can be a beneficial and happy environment). I have personally felt that my own life would have taken a far more productive, positive and less traumatic direction had my parents divorced when my mother demanded this of my father (twice!). My dad was old-school though and stuck by the “A family is not a family without both parents” way of thinking – despite all the harmful actions and outright mental/emotional abuse that was taking place specifically because they were together (and let’s face it… my mother obviously didn’t want to be there – or with me, which she told me. Repeatedly.) – I’m glad to see another side of this where the whole Hollywood picket-fence “Two parents are the ONLY way you can raise a healthy child!!!” isn’t being pushed and forced down our throats. Yes. In some cases a split of the parents is far more beneficial.
I was a child with a single parent up until I was 11 years old when my mama got married. When I heard that she was dating, I was mad at her, I thought she was betraying my dad (who was a dirt bag but i didn’t know). My father was a person who didn’t respect a lot of people, he thought of him self as the center of the world and that the world revolves around him, as I grew I realized that I would much rather my mother be happy with somebody who loves her than with somebody that gave her a daughter.
I moved out of my house when I was 16 got pregnant at 17 had a baby at 18 && not once did I stop going to school I’m about to graduate my daughters 5, I’m 24 I have a 3.5 GPA, my daughter has a great relationship with her grandparents and her aunt she’s a very smart kid & a happy 1. Her father got out of prison was around for about two weeks and then basically disappeared after that she started to have emotional problems she was kicked out of her elementary school then she was kicked out of her daycare now he’s been out of our life‘s for over a month and a half I’ve got her into a new daycare (she loves it), some counseling for herself and myself and we are back on the road to success. I’m here to be a testimony to all the struggling single mothers out there, teens in particular, it’s not hopeless, do not give up on that Child and they won’t give up on you… you are stronger than you think you are and you will make it as long as you put your mind to it! Btw I was raised by 2 parents that got divorced when I was 6. I turned out ok. 😃🙏🏼 Praise God & stay faithful brothers and sisters
My father died when I was 10 years old,and thus me and my mother were left alone. Thankfully I don’t believe I developed any negative phycological thing all these years. Although I do believe that I may have been more social when during middle school and early highschool (I am graduating this year),not that I had no friends or felt lonely all the time. Either I am lucky or my father raised me well during my first 10 years of my life and at the same time my mother did everything to raise me well after he left us.
im 15 years old. my dad left my mom when she was pregnant, so i’ve never met my father. i grew up with my mom only, i don’t have siblings or pets either. i agree that relationships between a child and a single parent are stronger, it was for me the case when i was younger. but my mom also always abused me since i was little and she still does (physically and emotionally). i also agree with the part of dropping out of school. i didn’t drop out, but i go very rarely to school (like once a week and most of the time not at all) and when i go, im always late (sometimes 5min, sometimes even 30min) after i started seeing a therapist, things tbh didn’t start to get better, it only got worse. actually i got home from the hospital today, because i tried to kill myself on thursday. this is just my experience growing up with a single mom, wanted to share it. thanks for reading.
I came from a two parent household. Most of my peers, however, came from single parenting. Living in that type of environment was not easy, but everything was right in the world until my dad passed away. The added stress of having to figure out how to feed three children alone damaged my relationship with my mom. I followed in my parents footsteps and avoided many of the mistakes they made by having me too young and I’m turning out okay. I say “Okay” because I lacked the skills to be a good provider since my desire to succeed dwindled after my father died. I said all that to say this: A slight decline isn’t insignificant especially when children from single parent homes tend to copy their parents mistakes. That decline in many, many cases magnify as the generations progress. Just taking a look at black communities as a reference point can shed light on the effects over time.
My mom was a single parent to my two older siblings after their father committed suicide. When she met my dad, it was love at first sight. Then he found out she’s pregnant with me and he left her. I’m okay and my siblings are okay. I just feel bad for all the things she had to do alone. She didn’t deserve that.
My mother has never been in my life; going in and out of prison for years, plus the constant lying, stealing, and physical threats has broken any relationship I could have with her. I grew up with my younger brother, both of us with our dad who tries the best he can. However, despite never trading my life for anything, I kind of wish I had that female support like what you see between mother’s and daughters; I always wanted to have a girls day, get my nails done, and talk about embarrassing things situations that I never had to deal with until puberty. I feel like I’m missing a huge part of me, like I don’t know how to be a girl. I have friends that are girls, but I never feel completely there. I don’t know how to explain it, bit hopefully someone understands
Currently in a relationship where she has a son, he just turned 3 this monday 💙 This article made me think on my personal perspective dating a “single” parent. She’s not with the father anymore ( mr steal yo girl 💀😂😂), and we’ve been together a year & 3 months just yesterday. I am 23 years old, and Im very serious about this girl. Im not a typical guy that cares about getting a high body count,drinking w the homies, turning up, and living a crazy life in general lol, I’m very Set on on this girl and its been my longest relationship i’ve had We may be moving in together by this year, so obviously the stepdad role is coming on its way. So I’m really curious on the same concept of the article but on the effects of growing up with a stepdad/Step Parent I’m staying around for the long run and i know the relationship is different with step-parents growing up w them vs. meeting them when your already older. It’d be awesome to see your websitel do a article on this i havent noticed one yet ): Im trying to take in as much information and guidance as possible to avoid certain behaviors that I might not notice until its already negatively affected him ( like i just learned from your articles that a sign of your parents stressing you out is when they set high expectations it leads to growing up with self doubt) I’m really serious on trying to be the best authentic role that I can be in his life as his biological father won’t be
My parents split 2 months before my 2nd birthday and my dad got custody of my brother and I. I have to say my parents just by knowing both of them were a matchmade in hell and I’m kinda glad I didn’t live under the same roof as the 2. Despite the culture shock of seeing all the kids around me living in wholesome households our house was basically a bachelor pad
I’ve had really ducky life, grew up in foster care, then grew up with my mom, then later my grandma, I haven’t really had parents figures that I could look up to, yea I had parent figures but I could never really talk to them because there was no one who would listen so I’m growing up learning to depend on myself and things are really been turning around lately in life and going my way. I’m 20 now, childhood memories are hard to think of but I make do with what’s making me happy and been focusing on the positive the past 4 years
Raised by my mom. Can’t say whether I was better off with her or not because both of my parents were abusive in some form (my father just wasn’t there and hasn’t contact me in a decade and my mother was more verbally and emotionally abusive than anything). I don’t wish that life on anyone and I wanna make sure my children grow up with both if their parents
I love my mother and she did her best but it was only when I grew up and began healing internally that I realized how badly it damaged me. I feel like I have half of me missing, not having a father definitely left me underdeveloped and feeling like I lack something, didn’t develop core skills, etc. For a long time I turned to drugs, seeking partners to fill that void i felt and get someone to fill that role subconsciously, definitely affected my self esteem negatively, led to depression, self hate, blame, and shame in a deep subconscious way. 🙁
I’m embarking on this journey. She got arrested for breaching her avo again. I came out and compiled an exhaustive list of the abuse. It spans 10 years. My son is 3.5 and my parents are giving him a safe home until I get courts etc sorted out. Last weekend I discovered she had committed a heinous crime against my son. He claimed she tried to stick his head in the toilet. Combined with her spitting in my face and smashing up my room, I knew I had to end it once and for all. Now she is facing 3 criminal charges, 2 breaches of bail and she will have to answers to dozens of evidences of the physical and psychological abuse. And a fine arrived today so she is going to lose her licence. It’s so messed up.
Both my parents grew up in single parent families. My paternal grandfather died when my dad was 13. And he only had his mother. My mother had an even more traumatic childhood because my maternal grandma died of kidney failure and my maternal grandpa left my mom and my aunt and remarried. My mom’s maternal grandma had looked after them both. And I’d like to say that both my parents suffered a lot but because of that they became really emotionally strong and intuitive individuals. They would always love me and my siblings and pamper us alot. When i saw this article it reminded me of them and some of the facts stated here are pretty true. I’d also like to add one thing that in some cases ppl from broken or single parent families tend to be highly perfectionist in their work which both my parents are.
My biological father died when I was a baby and my mum pretty much raised me during my childhood. My mum re-married when I was seven to a soldier, so he was next to never home. But now he is out the army and they argue a lot. It’s always stressful. My mother and I are super close now… even if she struggled with anger and the less satisfied with life thing is true for me. I also fiGht through depression and social anxiety. And low self esteem issues. On a better note, I’m incredibly close with my grandparents. I guess you could say that they are like second parents, I don’t know what I’d do without them
I’m 13, as of now. My parents divorced in 2015. I was going to a private school at the time, but it ended up shutting down when I was in grade/year 5. My mother is still intent with letting me visit him every weekend, but I visit less due to COVID. This is because my father hates my grandpa because my grandma never let him visit my grandpa when they were divorced. I also remember in some schools when you are younger there was a circle time event, and when we talked about what’s happening at home. I remember laughing it out with the other children (we were in grade/year 3) when I confessed to hearing my parents label each other a “pig nose” while arguing. I was standing on the stairs, perusal them without their knowledge. I also want to ask anyone if it’s the reason my parents divorced that I cry super easily. I don’t know why but even with the slightest mean comment or something tiny that i sob over, and it’s really dumb. well thanks for reading my essay of a comment i don’t have it as hard as the others but life is okay, i have really good grades and nice friends etc and my mother has a better job so i guess i’m satisfied 😃
I was raised in a single household along side my little brother (were 7 years apart). We had a lot of trials growing up and i do agree with a lot of these things but i see a clear destinction between us. I remember when my parents were together and how abusive it was before they separated while my brother was born around the end of it. I see a big difference in personality between my brother and i.
I grew up as an only child with my mom. My dad is truly an awful person, so I am glad I did not have to live with him during my childhood. However, a masculine presence would have definitely be a useful and nice thing to have. Since my grandfather and my great grandfather were both dead before my birth, I literally grew up with only women : my great grandmother, my grandmother and my mother. Also, since I did not have neither brothers nor sisters, my childhood was kind of lonely. So yeah, I do think that my life would have been far worse if my father had not left my mom, however I do thing that any child would benefit from having two parents. When I will be ready to be a mother, I will definitely try my hardest to find a good husband, but also a good father in order give my future child a life with two parents, instead of one. (Also big support to all those single parents out there : it’s difficult, but keep in mind that the marvelous child that you are raising loves you the most, and is endlessly grateful for everything you have done !)
My mom wasn’t always there for me throughout my childhood, because she was in the military. As a result, my grandmother and my great grandmother were the ones I spent the most time with in my childhood. I remember visiting my dad with my mom sometimes when I was younger. He seemed pretty distant then and he still seems distant now. I remember trying to get his attention by calling him dad but he just ignored me. I’ve been able to spend more time with my mom since my tween years, because she’s retired from the army now. My relationship with her is ok but I don’t feel comfortable enough to talk with her about my personal feelings.
My parents divorced when I was pretty young,about 2,so I grew up loving my mom and resenting my dad when it came time to leave on Fridays to go to his apartment.Then she died when I was 7,and I had to get used too living with him full time. As of now,I’m closer than ever with my dad,and it’s my stepmom who I constantly can’t seem to get along with.
My parents arnt divorced. They are separated. They only where together for when I was a baby and then they slit. Keeping me with my mother through the week and my dad on the weekend. I’m used to it even past my mum’s emotional abuse. I begged my dad every weekend not to take me back and he always did.. I always feel envious of kids who have both their parents…I always wanted to know how that feels and have that for my self. Being a daughter with just my father is hard. Its hard talking to him because he is so nosy and it always makes me wish I had my mother to help me like most daughters do in my area..
My parents got divorced when I was very young, around a year old I think. They didn’t agree on a lot of things, and had constant fights, but nothing really bad. They decided that it’d be best for me and my brother to not see them fighting growing up, so they divorced. Me and my brother stay with my mom during the week, and with my dad during the weekends and holidays, so it’s all good. They’re both great parents and I love them, they just have different ways of thinking. My dad now has a new wife and she’s really nice and caring, so life’s pretty good.
Well my dad left when me and my brothers were about 5-7 yrs. old, and all I can say is that the backlash that event caused was and still is big. Depression is really there, even if you don’t notice.. both my brothers were diagnosed with chronic depression a while ago and one attempted suicide, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder but our mom is such a great person, she helped us through everything and supoorted us in every way, I love her so much, although I don’t really know my dad, and I’m trying to but I just can’t love him the same way I love my mom because he’s kind of a stranger to me.. I’m still trying to figure it out whether I try to bond more with him or just forget about him
My father is not in the picture, since he passed away when I was a baby, so I don’t even get to remember anything. My mother has always been a role model for me. At some point in life I noticed that I’m pretty different in terms of a mindset than other girls my age. I had a way stronger bond and was absolutely dependent on my mom and her support. Of course, it is a good thing to love each other, but there are times when I don’t get her approval and it leads to me constantly trying to please her opinion so she won’t get upset or anything. Also, maybe it’s just my experience, but I feel like deeply inside I owe my mother my whole life and the way I turned out, because she tried so hard. It leads to positive things, such as me recognising one’s intentions and hard work, but also for me to feel like a failure, because my mom has put so much effort to raise me and here I am, an absolute waste of time. I love my mother, she means everything to me, but the fact that I didn’t have my biological father around left me with some prons and cons.
I didn’t go through all the comments but I did notice in the beginning there was a lot of comments about divorce. My parents weren’t married just living together for a very short time, and I remember my dad leaving. I’ve often been labeled about being an only child and that luck was what I had. Maybe I’m looking to focus on the isolation I often felt bc my mom worked two jobs so I look nice. And how I had to learn how to take up for myself because there was no siblings. I’m learning that there is no perfect story just imperfect people striving for perfect lives.
Is there anyone experience it ALL? My grandparents took care of me most of the time when I was little for 7 years, and then I lived with my dad for another 7 years when I was an teenager, and then I lived with my mom for another 7 years till now. And I think I might be moving out by myself soon. In my case I have never seen my parents together happily in my entire life because they had a bad divorce when I was just 1 year old. This is just an extremely brief story of my life, if someone need to know my story more to feel less alone you can just reply and I’ll share:)
Well it definitely can be stressful. Sometimes it feels like there isn’t much to do in life, even if there is. I don’t have the best relationship with my mom because of some past stuff that hurt a lot, but for now I’m in this situation, but I’m trying to get better with it. Therapy helps a lot but I still have really bad feelings every now and again where I remember all the bad things that happened and I just want to leave. I wouldn’t go to my dad because he’s even worse when it comes to living with him. It’s pretty depressing, but sometimes it’s relaxing.
I think that a lot of problems from being raised by a single mother can be helped if those mothers remember that men are important for both genders and make sure her kids have a consistent male role model in their lives. I’ve seen single mothers who think men are unneeded or just don’t care about making sure their kids have someone male to look up to. Boys need a good man in their lives to show them how to be a man and girls need a good man in their lives to show them how a man treats others including his SO.
I first grew up with a single dad and lived with my grandparents and him. He was an amazing father and my grandma had been my mom. Still is.. I will always consider more of a mom than my biological mom. My biological mother eventually decided to fight for me when my dad was struggling mentally after my grandfather passed.. he had a lot mental health problems but he still was a good father. It was cruel of her to take advantage of that. But she got custody. Living with her was traumatic. She was and still is an alcoholic, sure, she also may have tried her best, but her best was screaming at us (my brother lived with her too) every day while drunk, because she was so stressed.. she made us feel like we were the reason she had to drink which tore us down.. it hit me harder than my brother. Although I know it was hard on him too. She was neglectful, she’s leave us all alone night after night expecting me to be the head of household. And if I complained about how I couldn’t do it, she’d scream at me saying I need to help out more. It was just bad.. I am now a single parent of two. I’m 25 in my own home with my two kids trying my hardest. I struggle big time with stress. But, I am not an alcoholic at all. I don’t drink at all. I’m working, I love my kids with all of my heart day in and day out. They are happy and taken care of. My dad and grandma showed me what good parenting was, and my mom showed me what horrible parenting was.. idk if I’d be as dedicated to being the best parent I can be if it was for my experiences.
As a child with a single parent, I’ve always wondered what it is like to have another person in that relationship. My mom has never gotten married before though. My dad just keeps moving to other states for jobs. I barely even know who he is since him and my mom separated when I was around 3. I remember I would cry if had to leave my dad because I barely saw him or even knew him in general
my mom often became a single parent bc my dad would split up and come back, and it was always so stressful financially. it was always talks about “i only have x left to spend until my next paycheck so we need to preserve our groceries, i dont know what to do i dont know where i’ll get the money from” it was exhausting and terrifying never feeling stable, times when my mom lost her car because she couldn’t afford payments or ae had to rely on a food bank. All the instability really put a negative effect on my sense of stability and my trust in men because my dad always made sure to ruin my mom financially everytime he left. It made me angry.
my mum divorced my dad when I was only a few months old, he was a horrible man who only cared for himself. I have no siblings and honestly being just the two of us is so great we are extremely close, although I struggled terribly with separation anxiety from her for about a year and recovered well. my grandpa has always been there for my mum and I and had supported us so much throughout the years.
Growing up in a single parent household, my mom is judgemental on what I like and do, I’m basically the caretaker of the house, pets, and elementary school sister- leaving me with low energy, mental stress, easily panicky, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, social isolation due to having no friends irl, and going slightly crazy due to my grandma being cuckoo herself. My mom says “just ignore her or stay in your room”, I do so but the effects are lil bit too late. Every time my mom is stressing about rent or bills, I end up stressing really bad and she gets after me for it because “you’re not working and you’re young, you shouldn’t be stressing”. I don’t really have anything or anyone else to think about! I would be in college rn but no money and sure I can get grants, but no time to apply for them, and if I get a job, who would do the cooking, cleaning, and dealing with the pets? I’m not having children, I don’t want them to go through a single parent household. My mom isn’t a very good guide on life. I’m a doomed self pitying mess with no one to talk to irl about anything.
I’m a not putting my life story. But my parents divorce when i was three but that was a traumatic year. Anyway I didn’t see him for 12 months because he ran of with this other chick even when they were together. I don’t forgive him for what he’s done but knowing he doesn’t have that much of his life left i try to give him chances he is ill and he life has been cut short. We they split up I was confused and didn’t know what was going on until he came back that really messed with my mental health, giving me anxiety, trust issues, and especially separation anxiety. I can not leave my mom for more than 6 hours<- that includes school. I do struggle with school because of when the teachers say bring your parents(to events) it gets me because I see all these kids with both parents. But then again I am grateful my mom is my life and my hero we have supported each other through everything. I don't normally talk about this as it is an emotional topic. I just want to say to anyone reading this and is having a hard time with whatever is going on things will get better "the BIGGER the storm, the BRIGHTER the rainbow"💖💖😘xx