How to Be Happy as a Single Mom: 15+ Effective Tips

Parenting along with a spouse or partner can already be overwhelming and challenging. However, it becomes a whole other ordeal when you become a single mother. 

So, learning how to be happy as a single mom is essential if you’ve found yourself faced with the challenge of being a single mom.

There’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to learning how to be happy alone as a single mom. Apart from the helpful tips you will learn about here, it can be pretty helpful to learn why being a single mother can be challenging and overwhelming. 

So, if you want to figure out how to cope with being a single mom and find happiness, just read on!

Becoming a single mother and how is it different

Let’s first look into becoming a single mother and its reality before straight-up getting into learning how to be happy as a single mom.

When it comes to solo parenting, the life of a single mother can be quite an overwhelming experience. How you landed into this responsibility can play an essential role in accepting this single mom’s daily life.

Handling the responsibility of child-rearing without your partner can be extremely trying. But remember that although your partner isn’t with you, owing to death, divorce, break up, or an unplanned pregnancy that wasn’t taken well by them, there are quite a few stand-out benefits of being a single mommy!

So, accepting your reality that you’ll be on your own for at least some time, probably in your journey of parenthood, is an essential aspect of learning how to cope with being a single mother.

4 common struggles faced by single moms

Identifying and acknowledging some common struggles single moms face worldwide is vital for learning how to be a good single mother. Why is that so?

It’s because being a single mommy may feel quite isolating for you. You may feel like no one gets you because they haven’t been in your situation, right?

However, learning about some potential issues that you may be struggling with that are familiar to many single parents out there can help promote a sense of unity and belongingness! So, it can help in coping with being a single mother.

So, in this journey of learning how to be happy as a single mother, let’s look into some struggles that are common to most single moms:

1. Financial challenges

Being your child’s sole breadwinner and caregiver is already incredibly challenging. And when you add the issue of financial strain and deficiency to it, it can become challenging to stay afloat.

Single moms often work multiple jobs to make enough money for their families. So, establishing a work-life balance when you’re a single mom is a significant struggle. 

Financial struggles like the lack of healthcare insurance, inability to get help for babysitting the child because it’s too expensive, etc., are common to single mothers.

2. Emotional challenges

The reality is that being a single mom can be lonely, and you may experience the psychological effects of being a single mother. In prioritizing your child and doing everything you can to support them, you can feel very isolated.

It catches up to single moms. They often find themselves dealing with the loneliness of single parenthood. Mental health struggles in other forms, like anxiety, stress, and feeling hopeless, empty, or worthless, are also common to single moms.

Maggie Martinez, LCSW, says

It is important to seek support from close family and friends when you can to help cope.

3. Mom guilt

Figuring out how to be a single mother with no help owing to financial struggles can be extremely challenging.

Juggling time between your job(s) and spending adequate quality time with your child while knowing that you have complete responsibility and power over your child’s well-being makes the experience of mom guilt very common and natural.

4. Fatigue owing to limited time

One of the most common struggles that single moms put up with is the thought that they wish there would be more than 24 hours to the day! Time flies when you’re your little family’s primary caregiver and breadwinner. So, fatigue is inevitable.

Being a single mother: Discovering the 5 amazing benefits

Despite the struggles mentioned above of being a single mom, try to remember that happiness is being a mom. 

In your journey of figuring out how to be happy as a single mom, it’s essential to acknowledge the difficulties of being a single mommy and the perks of figuring out parenthood without a partner.

Here are some perks of being a single mother:

• You have complete freedom when it comes to making decisions for your child.
• You might have the scope to provide undivided attention to your child.
• As a single mom, your child will have a great role model while growing up.
• Your child will learn to take on different responsibilities in the household and grow up learning how to be independent.
• The opportunity to provide positive parenting (with less scope for gender stereotyping).

How to be happy as a single mom: 17 helpful tips

If you want to avoid being depressed as a single mom, figuring out how to be happy as a single mom is essential. So, let’s finally look into how to make it as a single mom. 

Here are 17 advice for single mothers to help you figure out how to be a successful single mother:

1. Set your priorities straight  

One of the most essential tactics is prioritizing when it comes to your journey of learning how to be happy as a single mom. List your priorities in descending order so that decision-making becomes easier for you. Only hold on to everything important to you and your child.

2. Don’t get swayed by the opinions of loved ones

Remember that maternal intuition is genuine. As a single mom, you may receive numerous opinions from loved ones about what you should or shouldn’t do. However, it’s important not to let others’ opinions sway your own judgment.

Also, Maggie Martinez adds,

Remember that you are the expert on your child’s life and your life.

3. Stay true to yourself

Stay true to your identity when it comes to raising your child and go with your maternal instincts instead of mindlessly following suggestions given by others on how parenting is supposed to be done.

4. Set personal goals

How can a single mom be happy alone? By setting SMART goals for herself to keep herself motivated in life. Although it’s essential to focus on your child, you cannot simply center your entire life and be around them. It’s important to have ambitions of your own.

5. Spend some time out of the house regularly

If you’re working from home and raising your child simultaneously, feeling cooped up in the house is highly likely. That can be upsetting (you may not even realize it!). So, get out of your home for walks, grocery runs, hikes, etc., and get some fresh air!

6. Understand your options

Initiating changes that may benefit you and your child is absolutely welcome when you’re learning how to be happy as a single mom. Don’t restrict yourself from exploring your options because of a rigid mindset.

7. Find gratitude

A big part of finding happiness as a single mom is cultivating gratitude in your daily life. Work on your mental health concerns with a licensed therapist so that you’re in the headspace to appreciate what you have (instead of what you don’t), amongst other benefits.

8. Ask for help

Learning to ask for help is essential in learning how to be happy as a single mom. Many single moms don’t have any family members or friends in their lives. 

So, if that’s your situation, try to seek help in unexpected places and embrace the help offered by unexpected or surprising people!

9. Connect with friends

Finding time out of your hectic schedule to connect with your friends is vital to being happy as a single mom. It doesn’t matter whether it’s going out with them, regularly video calling them, or chilling at home with your friends. Quality time with friends is essential.

10. Self-care is essential

Regularly practicing mindfulness-based self-care habits is non-negotiable as a single mom. It will help you maintain your physical as well as mental well-being. So, whatever you do, never sacrifice your self-care, as it is imperative if you want to be happy as a single mother.

Watch this TED Talk featuring Liz Carlile as she talks about why it’s normal to be overwhelmed as a mom and explains why self-care isn’t selfish:

11. Embrace routine and structure

Creating a stable routine and structure for you and your child can provide a sense of security and predictability. It helps manage your time efficiently and reduces stress, which is crucial for your happiness as a single mom.

Maggie Martinez further comments,

A set schedule allows you to prioritize what you need to but also add in some fun and enjoyment too.

12. Budget wisely

Are you worrying about how to survive financially as a single mom? Financial stability is often a concern for single moms. Learning how to budget effectively and manage your finances can alleviate financial stress, allowing you to focus on your well-being and your child’s needs.

13. Seek legal advice if necessary

Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you face legal issues related to child custody, support, or other matters. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you make informed decisions and reduce the stress associated with legal matters.

14. Explore online support communities

There are numerous online communities and forums dedicated to single moms where you can find support and advice and connect with others going through similar experiences. Joining these communities can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

15. Promote a positive co-parenting relationship

If you share custody with your child’s other parent, strive to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship. Effective communication and cooperation can create a more stable environment for your child and reduce conflict in your life.

16. Celebrate small victories

As a single mom, it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your efforts and successes can boost your self-esteem and overall happiness.

17. Stay open to new possibilities

Life as a single mom may present unexpected opportunities and challenges. Stay open to change and be flexible in your approach to parenting and life. Embracing new possibilities can lead to personal growth and happiness.

When is it advisable for single moms to seek professional support?

Single moms should consider seeking professional support whenever they feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unable to cope with the challenges of single parenting. 

It’s advisable to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional if they experience persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Additionally, seeking professional help is crucial when dealing with issues such as child behavior problems, custody disputes, legal matters, or financial instability. 

Professional support can provide guidance, emotional support, and practical solutions to help single moms handle these complex situations and improve their overall well-being. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care, not a sign of weakness.

FAQs

From finding happiness to managing challenges, having questions about being a single home is normal. Here are some common questions and concerns that single moms often encounter:

• Is it possible to be truly happy as a single mom?

Absolutely, it’s possible to find happiness as a single mom. By prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and focusing on the positive aspects of solo parenting, you can create a fulfilling and joyful life for yourself and your children.

• How can I overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation?

Overcoming loneliness and isolation as a single mom involves building a strong support network, connecting with friends and online communities, and dedicating time to self-care. Cultivating meaningful relationships and seeking professional help when needed can make a significant difference.

• How do I balance my own needs with those of my children?

Balancing your needs with your children requires effective time management, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. Prioritizing self-care ensures you have the energy and resilience to meet your children’s needs while also fulfilling your own.

• Does being a single mom negatively impact my children’s happiness?

Being a single mom does not inherently negatively impact your children’s happiness. It’s the quality of parenting, emotional support, and stability that matter most. Providing a loving and nurturing environment can stimulate your children’s happiness and well-being.

• What are the biggest regrets single moms have?

While regrets vary among individuals, some common regrets among single moms include not seeking support sooner, not prioritizing self-care, and not embracing help from loved ones. Addressing these areas can lead to a more fulfilling and regret-free parenting journey.

To sum up

Being a single mom is undoubtedly a challenging journey, filled with unique struggles and responsibilities. Learning how to be happy in this role is vital for both your well-being and your child’s. 

Acknowledging your difficulties, from financial challenges to emotional loneliness and mom guilt, is vital. Remember to implement the tips above if you’re a single mom struggling to find happiness. Remember that there’s always the option of seeking help from a licensed mental health professional.