Being a single parent raises lots of questions and many times leaves you with uncertain answers. For many women, there are fears of failing or unjust struggles. If you are a single parent, chances are you're searching for ways to be the best parent you can be. Here are some suggestions that may help you overcome common challenges.

Common Challenges:
 

• Earning the income that is lost, or needs establishing :

  • Find supplemental income from home.

  • Check out other ways to make ends meet (see Single Parenting: Making it Work)
  • Find ways to share responsibilities with other single parents. (i.e. childcare, carpool, laundry, and cooking).
• Meeting the child's needs:
  • Get connected with a support group, a church, your child's school activities, and/or parenting classes
  • Spend time talking with your child, sharing things you both enjoy and feel are important.
• Finding time for yourself:
  • Find a support group or mentor where you can feel at home talking about what's going on in your life.
  • Take turns taking care of children with other parents. Use this time to relax or do something you love to do.
• Providing a good home:
  • Live with a friend or in a group home
  • Live with a relative or your parents.
  • Live in subsidized housing, or find an inexpensive apartment of your own.