With Blogger and Author Jo Middleton

Did you know that the proportion of UK families with children headed by single parents has remained at around 25 per cent for over a decade? In the US, almost a quarter of kids under the age of 18 live in a household with a single parent. The figures in other countries are prominent as well, showing that millions of kids worldwide are brought up by one parent. So if you're raising a child on your own, you're in good company. But that doesn’t erase the fact that flying solo can feel pretty lonely at times. And although raising kids can be a roller coaster for any parent, the unique challenges that single parents face that can feel downright isolating. 

We spoke to award-winning blogger and author of Playgroups and Prosecco, Jo Middleton, to get helpful tips for single parents to raise happy, healthy kids, and be kind to themselves in the process. 

3 Helpful Tips for Single Parents 

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

2. Make connections with other parents, especially ones in similar situations 

3. Remember you’re a parent - not a friend 

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

It’s common for single parents to feel that they have to prove they’re as capable as two parents, and that their kids aren’t missing out on anything. The trouble is, when you’re one person doing the job of two, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t feel bad about asking for help. Leaning on others for support isn’t a sign of weakness at all - it’s a sign that you’re doing what you can to give your kids the support they need. Remember too that other people actually feel good when they help out. Far from resenting you for asking for assistance, your friends and family will probably be happy to lend a helping hand. 

2. Make Connections with other parents, especially ones in similar situations 

Establishing a support network is key to feeling like you’re not totally alone. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and share your story. Be bold about asking people to be your friend - you’ll likely find they’ll be delighted you did! As a single parent, you don’t have much time to invest in relationships, so be proactive! If you’re struggling to meet people out and about, then find your tribe online. Check out single parent communities like Frolo or Gingerbread, where you’ll find lots of single mums and dads sharing problems and giving advice.

3. Remember you’re a parent, not a friend 

It can be really hard as a single parent to find the right balance between making good parenting choices and wanting your kids’ affection. Being the only adult in the house means that when the kids don’t like you, there’s nobody else to turn to. And the truth about parenting is, your kids aren’t going to like you all the time. Parents have to make responsible decisions for the health and wellbeing of their kids that might not always be happily received. Single parents need the inner strength to focus on what the appropriate relationship is between parent and child. Even though there isn’t another adult to lean on, single parents need to hold firm in their role as a parent, not as a buddy. In the long run, kids need a parent to be the captain of the ship, and confidently guide them as they grow up.

Being a single parent can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By asking for help when you need it, building a solid network of support, and being a reliable and unwavering leader, you can raise kids who are strong, resilient and well-adjusted. 

Jo Middleton is the creator of the award-winning parenting and lifestyle blog Slummy Single Mummy, where she writes with honesty and humour on all kinds of subjects from sex as a single parent to how to get kids to eat things other than marmite sandwiches. Her newest blog segment, Untold Stories, shares anonymous contributions from other parents dealing with difficult issues such as anxiety, affairs and parenting regrets. Jo lives in Somerset, has two daughters and one grandson, and last year had her first novel, Playgroups and Prosecco, published by Penguin.