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When it comes to looking at life as a single parent, it can be a daunting experience. There are many reasons why you might end up as a single parent; however, despite the stigma around single parenting, the reality is it needn’t be the negative experience it is often made out to be.
With nearly 24 million children living in single-parent households, getting the support you need to help you support yourself and your child is vital to allow you to live your best life and thrive, not just survive.
Rely on Family and Friends
If you are lucky enough to have a good support circle around, use it. Lean on family and friends and take advantage of offers of help and support, especially in the early days. It can be a massive transition for everyone adjusting to a single-parent household, be it preparing for birth as a single mom, living life as a widowed parent, escaping abuse and more. Talk to your loved ones, explain how you feel and allow them to support you as much as they can.
Support Groups
Many single-parent support groups around the country and online resources can offer you advice, guidance and support, from helping you navigate finances as a single parent to assisting you to get back on your feet and find yourself and your way in life. Single moms and dads are welcomed into different communities and supported by various charitable organisations designed specifically for this reason, such as http://embracegrace.com/, where they can find resources and support during this time.
Financial Support
There is no denying becoming a single parent can be financially draining, especially if your child’s other parent can’t or won’t contribute financially. There are different financial resources and grants available for single-parent families, such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Pell Grant to help single parents access a college education, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, providing cash and food assistance and Housing Choice Vouchers for help with low-cost housing in privately owned buildings.
Talk To Your Employers
It is essential that you get as much support as possible. You need to bring your employers into the loop as per your situation. Be it to give you more time off if required, to make adjustments for pregnancy appointments and any maternity leave you might need, or to allow you more flexible working options where possible to help you adjust to a new normal as a single parent.
Everyone’s circumstances will be different regarding what they need, how they became a single parent and what they need to do to support their children and, as such, they will need help in different ways from employers.
For many people holding down a job, becoming a single parent can massively impact their employment or even their ability to gain employment. Talk to your employers about your situation and see what you can do to help you move forward without impacting your ability to perform at work.
Conclusion
Becoming a single parent isn’t something you should be ashamed of. Far from it, Single parents are the sole providers and carers for their children and, as such, can find themselves in need of support from time to time to help them do what they need to do. There is help available in many different forms, from government aid to charitable support options and being able to rely on family and friends. You just need to reach out.
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