One of the most common things single mums say is: “I feel like I’m doing this alone.”
And you are carrying a lot on your own – the decisions, the emotional load, the financial burden, the day-to-day parenting. But that doesn’t mean you’re meant to do it all alone. In fact, one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and your children is to build a support network around you. A real, supportive circle of people who understand what you’re going through. Here’s how!
Why Support Matters
Parenting is demanding in the best of circumstances. Add separation, co-parenting, financial pressure, and emotional recovery – and it becomes even more intense.
Without support, it’s easy to feel:
- Overwhelmed
- Isolated
- Mentally exhausted
- Like everything is on your shoulders
A strong support network helps lighten that load. It gives you:
- People to talk to who get it
- Practical help when you need it
- Emotional reassurance during hard moments
- A reminder that you’re not alone in this
Support doesn’t remove the challenges, but it makes them feel more manageable and less isolating.
The Power of Single-Parenting Communities
There’s something incredibly powerful about connecting with other single parents – especially those who are navigating similar experiences.
Single-parenting communities create a space where you can:
- Share openly without judgment
- Ask questions and get real, practical advice
- Learn from others who have been through similar situations
- Feel understood in a way that’s hard to explain to those outside it
Sometimes, just hearing “I totally get it” can change everything!
Online Communities
Online single-parenting communities can be a lifeline – especially when your schedule is full, or your support options feel limited.
These might include:
- Membership communities (like Thrive Tribe)
- Facebook groups for single mums or co-parenting, like the Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum
- Online forums or discussion groups
- Group coaching programs
Benefits of online support:
- Accessible anytime (late nights, early mornings, in between school runs)
- A wide range of perspectives and experiences
- The ability to ask questions anonymously if needed
- Ongoing encouragement and connection
For many women, online communities become a safe space to process, learn, and grow.
Offline Support
While online support is incredibly valuable, in-person connection also plays an important role.
This might look like:
- School parent networks
- Playgroups or local parenting groups
- Friends, neighbours, or extended family
- Community centres or local meetups
Benefits of offline support:
- Face-to-face connection
- Practical help (childcare swaps, school pickups, shared activities)
- A sense of belonging in your local environment
- Showing your child, or children, similar family units to yours
Even one or two local connections can make a significant difference.
Building Your Support Network
If the idea of “building a network” feels like another task on your to-do list, keep it simple. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with:
1. One Safe Person
Who is one person you feel comfortable opening up to? Start there.
2. One Community
Join one group (online or offline) where you can observe, engage, and connect at your own pace. You don’t have to share immediately. Just being present is a step.
3. One Small Step
This could be:
- Commenting on a post
- Attending a local meetup
- Reaching out to another mum
Connection builds gradually.
Letting Go of the “I Should Handle This Alone” Mindset
Many women believe they should be able to manage everything themselves.
But asking for support is a form of strength. It shows:
- Self-awareness
- Willingness to grow
- Commitment to your well-being and your children’s
You don’t have to prove anything by doing it all alone.
What Support Teaches Your Children
When you build a support network, your children see:
- That it’s okay (and normal) to ask for help
- That relationships matter
- That community/our village is important
- That life isn’t meant to be done in isolation
You’re not just supporting yourself, you’re modelling something powerful for them.
Reminder…
Your support network doesn’t need to be big. It just needs to be real… A few people who understand, a space where you feel seen and understood, and moments where you’re not carrying everything alone. Also, a space that isn’t full of toxicity, a safe place.
Building a support network takes time, but every small step counts, whether it’s joining a community, reaching out to one person, or simply allowing yourself to receive support.
Because parenting, especially after separation, was never meant to be done alone💛
P.S. DID YOU KNOW?
Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.
PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!
- Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
- Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
- Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?
Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.
The purpose of the Clarity Call is:
- For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
- For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
- To see if we are both comfortable working together.
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